By Yoga David
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o today hosted Ambassador Marc Dillard, the outgoing U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, at the US Embassy, who paid him a courtesy call at his City Hall office as he concluded his tour of duty in Kenya.
Governor Nyong’o while addressing Dillard, said the county is committed to continued partnership and collaboration with the US Embassy. He was grateful for their support in key areas such as education, the creative and digital economy, health, and small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Ambassador Dillard, who began his assignment in August 2022 just before Kenya’s general elections, noted that his time in Kenya was both eventful and rewarding. He shared that he will be proceeding to a similar role at the U.S. mission in South Africa after a short family break.
Ambassador Dillard acknowledged Kisumu’s unique role in the U.S.–Kenya partnership, especially in the health sector. Kisumu city remains the only jurisdiction outside Nairobi hosting major U.S. agency offices.
The agencies include Centre of Disease Control (CDC) and Walter Reed Project (WRP), which have had a long standing presence in the region dating back to 1968 and 1979 respectively.
CECM of Finance and Economic Planning, George Okong’o while briefing the meeting, raised highlights about the reduction in USAID support, highlighting the strain it places on counties where health is a devolved function.
He noted that 33% of Kisumu’s budget is allocated to health, and any funding gap has direct implications on service delivery. He called for new approaches to sustain county-level programs without over-reliance on national bureaucracies.
Ambassador Dillard also said they are committed to linking Kisumu-based education institutions with American counterparts through the embassy’s education and public affairs teams. He welcomed the idea, citing the diverse landscape of the U.S. higher education and its potential for collaboration.
Dillard noted the U.S. government’s current focus on life-saving activities may limit long-term development programs in the county, but acknowledged the importance of continuing dialogue to explore options.
He cited that current funding in this area exceeds $330 million, reinforcing the U.S.’s ongoing commitment to more health partnerships in Kenya.
CECM for Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, Judith Oluoch appealed for renewed support, especially for U.S supported projects on rural water services, despite the shifting U.S priorities.
On the issue of shifting U.S. aid structures, Dillard addressed concerns about the transition from USAID to a more United State Department led foreign policy approach.
He emphasized that while structural changes are underway, core life-saving programmes, especially in HIV diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, remain fully supported.
CECM for Sports and Culture, Beatrice Odongo, thanked the U.S. Embassy for its ongoing partnership and expressed interest in strengthening the networking ties between her department and the Embassy.
CECM for Trade and Tourism, Farida Salim, also appreciated the Embassy’s efforts in supporting small enterprises and advancing a sustainable tourism agenda that creates opportunities for young people.
Also present at the meeting included CECMs Salmon Orimba, Kenneth Onyango, Chief of Staff Aloice Ager, and officials from both the County Government of Kisumu and the U.S. Embassy.
