Ruto's Message to Trump After He Cancelled Ksh7 Billion Deal To Nairobi Dealing Huge Blow to Kenyans

President William Ruto has issued a firm but diplomatic response to U.S. President Donald Trump following Washington’s abrupt cancellation of a Ksh7.76 billions

 Nairobi transport modernisation project, a decision that has delivered a major blow to Kenya’s long-term urban mobility ambitions.

The project, approved under former U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration, was designed.

 To introduce a state-of-the-art Geographic Information System (GIS) platform to manage transport data across Nairobi.

 It was expected to play a central role in decongesting the capital by improving traffic flow analysis, planning efficiency, and multimodal coordination. 

According to the National Treasury’s latest Energy, Infrastructure, and ICT Sector Working Group Report. 

The initiative stalled after Trump’s administration shifted key foreign aid priorities.

Prompting a freeze in funding and halting essential phases of the kilometre-wide multimodal transport system.

Out of the Ksh7.76 billion total budget, Washington was to provide Ksh5.8 billion, while Kenya committed Ksh1.56 billion. 

However, Treasury officials now confirm the GIS platform is only 30 per cent complete, and critical zoning and policy guidelines under the Nairobi Metropolitan Area plan remain unexecuted. 

The withdrawal has also introduced new uncertainty in related infrastructure projects previously lined up through U.S. development partnerships.

In a message conveyed to Washington, President Ruto expressed disappointment, stressing that the cancellation undermines programmes affecting millions of urban commuters. 

He appealed to the U.S. administration to reconsider its decision, emphasizing that enduring partnerships must be anchored in stability, trust, and shared development interests. 

Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties and exploring diplomatic pathways .

 Reviving the stalled initiative, alongside other collaborations in climate action, education, transport, and trade.

The cancellation follows a series of disrupted agreements since Trump returned to office, including new trade tariffs and revisions to USAID projects. 

Treasury officials indicate the transport programme could still be revived under the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority in the next financial year if external financing challenges are resolved.