Kenya has entered into a historic five-year, $2.5bn health partnership with the United States, making it the first country to sign such an agreement after the Trump administration restructured its foreign aid policy.
The pact aims to strengthen Kenya’s fight against infectious diseases, improve maternal healthcare, support polio eradication, and enhance outbreak preparedness.
A First-of-Its-Kind Health Agreement
According to US officials, the Kenya–US health deal is the first in a series of future agreements with developing nations aligned with America’s new foreign aid strategy.
Under the arrangement, the US will contribute $1.7bn, while Kenya will allocate $850m and gradually assume more responsibility over the five-year period.
Concerns Over Data Privacy
Despite its potential benefits, the agreement has sparked concerns among Kenyans over real-time access to sensitive health data.
Health Minister Aden Duale assured the public that only de-identified and aggregated data would be shared, emphasizing that Kenya’s health information remains protected under national laws.
However, lawyers and activists are demanding full disclosure of the agreement, fearing it may allow the US to access personal medical details such as HIV status, TB records, vaccination history, genomic data, or biometrics.
US Foreign Aid Strategy Under Trump
On his first day in office, President Trump froze all foreign aid, dissolved USAID, and cut billions in funding for developing countries.
In September, the administration launched its “America First Global Health Strategy,” making aid conditional on direct government-to-government engagements rather than channeling it through NGOs.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who signed the agreement with President William Ruto, emphasized that the US aims to reduce reliance on aid agencies and empower partner governments.
Kenya’s Commitment to Health System Strengthening
President Ruto stated that the funds will be used to strengthen Kenya’s health infrastructure, purchase modern hospital equipment, and expand the country’s health workforce.
“I assure you that every shilling and every dollar will be spent efficiently, effectively, and accountably,” he said.
Rubio also praised Kenya’s leadership in the UN-backed mission in Haiti, calling the partnership a reflection of Kenya’s regional and global importance.
Public Demand for Transparency
Despite government assurances, public pressure continues to grow.
Whistle-blowers and legal experts are urging the release of the full document so citizens can verify what data categories are included and how they will be used.
US officials have not yet commented on the data concerns.