The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has reaffirmed that Kenyans’ health information will remain protected under a new five-year health cooperation agreement signed in Washington, D.C. The partnership aims to strengthen Kenya’s health systems while supporting key national health programs.
Under the deal, Kenya must increase its own health spending by Ksh.850 million over five years. The U.S. will inject about Ksh.208 billion (USD 2.5 billion) directly into Kenyan health institutions, making Kenya the first African nation to enter such a government-to-government health accord with the United States.
The embassy dismissed claims that personal data or biological samples would be shared with the U.S., stressing that only non-identifiable, aggregated data will be used. Officials also explained that lab testing support will continue only where Kenya lacks adequate facilities, with the agreement focused on helping the country build its own capacity.
The funding is not a loan but direct support intended to reduce dependency on fragmented donor projects and boost Kenya’s long-term self-reliance. Both governments will monitor spending to ensure transparency, with Kenya expected to steadily raise national and county health budgets from Ksh.10 billion in 2026/27 to Ksh.50 billion in 2029/30.
Over the five-year period, Kenya will gradually take over procurement of medical supplies and shift U.S.-funded frontline health workers onto the government payroll. The country also stands to earn over USD 100 million in performance incentives if it improves key health indicators.
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