PS Sing'oei: Government won't allow NGOs to sponsor anarchy

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singoei (left) alongside Egypt's ambassador to Kenya Wael Nasr Eldin Attiya in Nairobi. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei has maintained that the government will not allow foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to continue sponsoring anti-government protests in the country.

Speaking at the residence of Egypt's Ambassador to Kenya during celebrations to mark the country's 60th Independence Day, Dr Sing'oei said that it had come to the government's attention that some foreign NGOs were sponsoring anti-government protests by funding several local organisations.

He claimed the sponsorship was directed towards local organisations during the protests led by Genzs advocating for good governance and accountability.

"Our demonstrations are within the law and respect democracy, but the protesters must also respect the law and act responsibly," said Dr Sing'oei, accusing the Ford Foundation of funding the protests to the tune of Sh800 million.

"The Ford Foundation has a relationship with the Kenyan government spanning over 60 years. We have a bilateral agreement to exchange information and share reports whenever needed," stated the PS on Friday.

However, he noted that there is nothing untoward about any organisation or individual investing substantial amounts in the country, even billions of shillings, provided there is disclosure regarding the exact amount, source of funding, and intended project.

Sing'oei, who was accompanied by the Egyptian Ambassador to Kenya, Wael Nasr Eldin Attiya, maintained that some local organisations receiving funds from the Ford Foundation were at the forefront of the anti-government protests.

The PS also emphasised the importance of the partnership between Kenya and Egypt, which he said dates back to colonial times.

According to Dr Sing'oei, Egypt has invested significantly in Kenya, particularly in the aviation, health, and entertainment sectors, while Kenya exports more tea and coffee to Cairo.

"The reason why Egypt has invested more in Kenya is due to our strong stability, connectivity, democracy, and the enterprising nature of our population," said Singoei.

For his part, the ambassador said Egypt would continue to cooperate with Kenya in various economic fields.

"We are the main beneficiaries of Nile water, which originates in Kenya, and whenever any country at the source of the Nile River is affected, it impacts us too, even though we are many miles away; we are in the same continent," noted Nasr.