WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States Congress has passed a spending package to end the longest government shutdown in the nation's history, a 43-day impasse that raised concerns in Kenya and across East Africa over the stability of critical foreign aid and strategic partnerships. The US House of Representatives passed the Senate-approved bill on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, with President Donald Trump signing it into law late that night, according to multiple international reports.

The House voted 222-209 to approve the temporary funding measure, which the Senate had passed 60-40 on Monday, November 10. The legislation funds most federal agencies through January 30, 2026, while providing full-year funding for others, including the Department of Agriculture. The deal also ensures that hundreds of thousands of furloughed federal employees will receive back pay.

The shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, stemmed from a fierce political battle over federal spending, primarily Democrats' demands to extend enhanced subsidies for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which are set to expire at the end of the year. Republicans, controlling both chambers of Congress, refused to include the extension, leading to a prolonged stalemate. The breakthrough came after a small group of eight Democratic senators joined Republicans to advance the funding bill in exchange for a promise of a future vote on the ACA subsidies by mid-December, a concession many Democrats criticized as insufficient.

Implications for Kenya and East Africa

While a domestic US political issue, the shutdown had tangible implications for international partners like Kenya. The United States is a major strategic and development partner for Kenya, providing significant financial support for health, security, and economic growth. In fiscal year 2023, US foreign aid to Kenya was approximately $846.9 million, according to reports. The prolonged paralysis in Washington created uncertainty around the disbursement of these funds.

Of particular concern were flagship health initiatives such as the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has been a cornerstone of Kenya's public health response to HIV/AIDS. A funding freeze threatened to disrupt the supply of essential medicines and services. The shutdown also risked hindering the work of key agencies like the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), potentially slowing down trade negotiations as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) approaches its expiration.

The resolution provides immediate, albeit temporary, relief, ensuring that the operational capacity of US diplomatic missions, like the embassy in Nairobi, can return to normal and that aid disbursements can proceed. However, analysts suggest the episode highlights the vulnerabilities associated with reliance on foreign aid. The deep political divisions in the US that caused the 43-day shutdown persist, posing a continued risk of future disruptions. This instability underscores the importance for Kenya to continue pursuing economic self-reliance and diversifying its international partnerships.

Global Economic Impact

The shutdown's impact was not confined to US federal workers or foreign aid recipients. Economists estimated that the 43-day closure had a significant negative effect on the US economy, the world's largest. Standard & Poor's, during a previous shutdown, noted such events could shave billions of dollars from quarterly GDP growth. The recent disruption caused widespread flight cancellations and delays, threatened food assistance for millions of Americans under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and halted the flow of crucial economic data. The resolution of the crisis is expected to restore stability to these sectors and provide a clearer picture of the US economic landscape as the holiday season approaches.