US govt cancels Sh438m aviation advisory contract in Kenya

The United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has announced the cancellation of a $4.3 million (Sh438 million) contract for aviation advisors in Kenya, calling it wasteful. 

The department, led by Elon Musk, made the announcement via a post on its official X platform (@DOGE), stating, “Agencies cancelled 47 wasteful contracts today with a combined ceiling value of $87.5 million, resulting in $30.2 million in savings. This includes a $3.4 million @StateDept management consulting contract for ‘aviation advisors in Kenya.’”

While details of the cancelled contract remain limited, it is believed to be part of a broader initiative aimed at providing advisory and technical services to African countries and organizations, as well as U.S. Embassy country teams.

Among the 80 other contracts terminated on April 2 was a $2.1 million Department of State management consulting contract for a senior advisor in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). DOGE also reported that $13 million in taxpayer dollars had been returned to the U.S. Treasury.

In the lead-up to his election, U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Elon Musk to a role within the government aimed at cutting costs, as part of his broader agenda to "dismantle" bureaucracy. This initiative appears to be gaining momentum, as the Department of Government Efficiency is already making significant strides in its efforts.

During the establishment of DOGE, President Trump stated that the department would provide outside advice and guidance, helping to "dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excessive regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies."

He estimated that these efforts could help reduce the $6.5 trillion in annual government spending.

In a previous interview with Fox News, President Trump praised Musk's efforts, saying, “I think Elon is doing a good job. He’s a big cost-cutter. He’s doing a great job. He’s a smart guy. He’s very much into cutting the budget of our federal government.”

One of the most heavily affected programs during Trump’s tenure has been the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Funding cuts in the first three months of Trump’s presidency sent shockwaves through global aid programs.

Many employees lost their jobs, and several programs in various countries continue to face the threat of termination.