In a move sending ripples from Washington to Nairobi, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared his intention to nullify most executive orders by his predecessor, Joe Biden, based on the baseless claim they were improperly signed using a machine.

For Kenyans, this is not distant political theatre. The announcement casts a shadow over vital U.S.-funded programmes that support thousands of jobs, provide life-saving healthcare, and underpin our economy, forcing policymakers and citizens alike to confront a deeply uncertain future.

An Unprecedented Challenge to Policy

President Trump alleges, without evidence, that a signature machine, known as an autopen, was used to sign presidential directives without Joe Biden's direct approval. He claims this renders them invalid. However, the autopen has been a standard and legally accepted tool for presidents for decades, including Trump himself. A 2005 Justice Department opinion affirmed that a president can direct a subordinate to affix their signature, including by autopen, to make a bill law.

While legal experts in the U.S. note Trump can revoke prior executive orders regardless of how they were signed, his sweeping declaration creates significant instability for international partners who rely on the continuity of American policy.

What's at Stake for Kenya?

The potential reversal of Biden-era policies could directly impact Kenyan households and our national strategic goals. Key areas of concern include:

• Healthcare Funding: The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is a cornerstone of Kenya's HIV response. In 2024, PEPFAR funding for Kenya was approved at over $322 million (approx. KES 43 billion), supporting over a million Kenyans with antiretroviral treatment. Abrupt cuts could lead to clinic closures and disrupt access to life-saving medicines, reversing decades of progress.
• Trade and Investment: The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides duty-free access for thousands of Kenyan products to the U.S. market, recently expired. While a new bilateral trade deal is being negotiated, a shift in U.S. policy could jeopardize the livelihoods of over 66,000 Kenyans employed in AGOA-accredited firms, particularly in the textile industry.
• Infrastructure and Development: A Ksh 7.76 billion project to ease Nairobi's traffic congestion, with the U.S. contributing Ksh 5.8 billion, has already stalled due to shifts in American foreign aid policy. Further reversals could halt other critical infrastructure and climate-related initiatives agreed upon under the Biden administration.

Navigating the Uncertainty

President Trump's focus on an "America First" policy has previously led to reviews and suspensions of foreign aid, impacting everything from security cooperation to education. His administration has also initiated reviews of refugees admitted during the Biden years, creating anxiety for thousands of Kenyans who have resettled in the U.S.

As Kenyan leaders seek to navigate this new landscape, the challenge will be to secure the nation's interests amid the unpredictability of its most powerful strategic partner. The coming months will be a critical test of Kenya's diplomatic agility and its ability to build a more self-reliant future.