Kenya Woos US to Rescind Health Aid Suspension Order

Kenya will be holding talks with United States this week in a bid to have Washington reverse the decision to suspend aid meant for Kenya's health sector last week over corruption concerns.

Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu in a media briefing said that the talks between Kenya and the US are aimed at restoring donor confidence.

"We are confident that in the next weeks, the U.S. will rescind its decision suspending aid to Kenya's health sector," Mailu said when the Health Ministry donated medical commodities to faith -based institutions worth 2.65 million U.S. dollars.

The US government, through U.S. Agency for International Development (USAid) issued a directive withdrawing Sh2 billion funding to Kenya's health sector until certain issues are resolved.

Mailu assured Kenyans that the suspension will not affect service delivery of drugs or family planning services in Medical facilities across the country. "So Kenyans should not have any fear that there will be stock outs at public health facilities," he added.

The Cabinet Secretary said that the ministry is strengthening its structures that will ensure that funds are well accounted for. "The aim is to ensure that the system is tamper proof so that both government and donor money is not lost," he added.

"However the reforms will not be complete overnight but we are committed to complete by next week, so that donors are assured that their money is safe," he noted.