Kenyan Jobs at Risk as Trump Administration Restructures US State Department

The US State Department is poised for a significant reorganisation, spearheaded by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, set to take effect on July 1. 

The restructuring aligns with the Trump administration's "America First" policy and aims to streamline operations, sparking concerns about potential job losses among both domestic and international staff, including Kenyans employed at US embassies and bureaus. An internal memo reveals plans to reduce the department's workforce by 15 percent through the elimination and consolidation of offices. Specifically, 132 of the department's 734 bureaus and offices are slated for closure, while an additional 137 will be relocated to enhance operational efficiency. 

Secretary Rubio has defended the initiative, arguing that the department's current structure has become overly bureaucratic and unsustainable. He emphasises that rapid growth over the past 15 years has contributed to inefficiency, with taxpayers not seeing proportional benefits from increased spending. Rubio asserts that these changes are essential for the State Department to navigate contemporary challenges amid heightened global competition.

The closures include the Office of Global Women's Issues and various diversity and inclusion initiatives, reflecting the administration's broader effort to curtail programs deemed inconsistent with core national interests. While the exact number of layoffs remains unclear, the restructuring raises concerns about how the department will maintain its commitment to global diplomacy. A significant consequence of the overhaul is the uncertainty surrounding US foreign aid programs. 

A newly envisioned office for foreign and humanitarian affairs will oversee the remaining assistance initiatives following the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). This transition risks prolonging the freeze on USAID's operations, potentially jeopardising thousands of livelihoods dependent on the agency. Established in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, USAID has been critical in delivering aid worldwide, and its future remains uncertain.

As the restructuring progresses, stakeholders, including affected employees, are grappling with the implications. The State Department aims to achieve greater efficiency and alignment with national priorities.