What We Do
USAID is an independent federal government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. Our work supports long-term and equitable economic growth and advances U.S. foreign policy objectives by supporting:
- economic growth; agriculture and trade
- global health;
- democracy, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance.
USAID's history goes back to the Marshall Plan reconstruction of Europe after World War Two and the Truman Administration's Point Four Program. In 1961, the Foreign Assistance Act was signed into law and USAID was created by executive order.Since that time, USAID has been the principal U.S. agency to extend assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms.
Delivering High Impact Development brochure
USAID in Kenya
The US and Kenya have been partners in development for as long as the modern Kenyan nation has existed. This partnership is based on mutual strategic interests and a history of friendship.
USAID is working with Kenyans for Kenya: to advance democracy and the rule of law, to increase access to and improve the quality of health and education services, and to modernize and grow the economy so that Kenya’s wealth is shared by more.
For more information, please read our Annual Report.
How We Do It
USAID’s headquarters are in Washington, D.C., but its strength is in the field offices. We work in close partnership with private voluntary organizations, indigenous organizations, universities, American businesses, international agencies, other governments, and other U.S. government agencies. USAID has working relationships with more than 3,500 American companies and over 300 U.S.-based private voluntary organizations.
For more information on our business and procurement opportunities, please visit the Working with USAID section. If you would like to know more about employment opportunities with USAID, please visit the Employment Opportunities section of our web site.
