More than 500 employees of the Redeemed Integrated Development Agency (RIDA) in Kenya took to the streets on Friday to protest unpaid salaries, which they claim have been delayed for four months. The workers, who are part of a World Vision project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), say they have not received their December 2024 and January 2025 salaries, leaving many struggling to meet basic needs. The protests highlight the growing fallout from US President Donald Trump's decision to freeze foreign aid, which has disrupted operations at organisations reliant on American funding. The demonstrations, held in Baba Dogo, Nairobi, saw workers accuse RIDA's management of making false promises regarding their payments. "We were called for a meeting and promised that we would be paid despite the funding freeze, but nothing has happened," said Mary Adhiambo, a RIDA employee. The US Agency for International Development (USAID)flag, January 16, 2025.
Photo USAID Kenya Adhiambo, a single mother, added that the unpaid salaries have left her unable to pay her children's school fees.
Another worker, Linus Agweli, echoed her frustrations, stating that they were assured their January dues would be paid as per Trump's order, but this has not materialised. RIDA, which champions World Vision projects, has been severely impacted by the suspension of USAID funding.
The agency's management has denied withholding salaries intentionally, attributing the delays to directives from World Vision. In a statement, RIDA Board Chairman Rev.