Kenya and the United States have signed a historic five-year health cooperation agreement worth $2.5 billion, marking the first major bilateral public health deal under Washington’s new America First Global Health Strategy.
The agreement, finalized in early December, is designed to strengthen Kenya’s healthcare system while gradually shifting financial and operational responsibility to the Kenyan government. Officials say the deal represents a new model of global health cooperation focused on sustainability, accountability and long-term impact.
What the Health Deal Covers
Under the framework, the United States will commit up to $1.7 billion, while Kenya will increase its domestic health funding by at least $850 million over the next five years.
Priority areas include:
- HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment
- Tuberculosis and malaria control
- Maternal, newborn and child health
- Polio eradication
- Disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness
- Health system strengthening and workforce support
The funding will support national programmes rather than international intermediaries, a shift officials say will improve efficiency and outcomes.
Shift in Global Health Aid Approach
The agreement is the first of its kind under the America First framework, which emphasizes direct government-to-government partnerships. The strategy aims to reduce long-term dependency on foreign aid by encouraging partner countries to take greater ownership of their health systems.
U.S. officials have described the Kenya deal as a blueprint for future health partnerships, particularly in Africa, where similar agreements are expected to follow.
Legal and Public Debate in Kenya
Despite the optimism, the deal has sparked debate within Kenya. A court has temporarily suspended parts of the agreement following legal challenges over data protection and public consultation.
Civil society groups argue that health data governance must strictly comply with Kenya’s privacy laws. The government has insisted that all data handling under the partnership will remain subject to Kenyan legislation, with the matter set for further judicial review.
Why the Deal Matters
Kenya remains one of the largest recipients of U.S. health support in Africa. Analysts say the agreement could redefine how international health aid is delivered — balancing donor support with national responsibility — while also raising important questions about transparency and accountability.