Implementation Begins for KSh207 Billion Kenya–US Health Partnership

Kenya and the United States have agreed to proceed with a KSh207 billion health partnership after a court ruling cleared the way for implementation of the programme.

Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo confirmed on 8 June that the two governments had reached an agreement on the implementation of the Kenya–US Health Cooperation Partnership, a five-year initiative valued at about KSh207 billion (US$1.6 billion). The partnership, signed in December 2025, aims to strengthen Kenya’s health sector through investments in disease surveillance, laboratory systems, transition of frontline health workers, and digital health infrastructure.

The announcement followed a courtesy visit by US Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns to the National Treasury, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic and trade relations. Kiptoo highlighted the contribution of American companies to Kenya’s economy through investment, job creation and skills development.

Implementation of the agreement had been delayed after the High Court suspended the programme in December 2025 over constitutional concerns. The Court of Appeal lifted the suspension in May, ruling that continued delays could weaken Kenya’s public health response. Following the initial court order, Washington had paused implementation earlier this year.

Despite the court decision, the agreement continues to face opposition. Critics, including Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, argue that the executive approved a major international treaty without sufficient parliamentary oversight or public participation.

Civil society organisations, including the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) and the Katiba Institute, have raised concerns that the framework could allow access to sensitive medical information, including HIV and tuberculosis records, in ways that may conflict with Kenya’s Data Protection Act.

Burns rejected those concerns, stating that the United States does not intend to access Kenyan health data and will comply with privacy requirements in both countries. She said any future data-sharing arrangements would involve aggregated information and noted that the partnership formalises existing cooperation.

Health rights organisation KELIN has also questioned provisions that grant legal immunity to US personnel and contractors. The group argues that such clauses could limit the ability of Kenyan courts to hold foreign entities accountable for misuse of medical information.

The financial commitments under the agreement have also attracted scrutiny. Kenya is expected to provide an additional KSh110 billion over five years to support health priorities approved under the partnership.

The programme is intended to improve Kenya’s capacity to respond to disease outbreaks and modernise health services.