US commits USD1.6 billion, as Kenya pledges USD850M for a five-year health plan

KENYA — The governments of the United States and the Republic of Kenya have signed a landmark five-year Health Cooperation Framework worth USD 2.5 billion to advance health outcomes, strengthen Kenya’s healthcare systems, and enhance mutual prosperity and security.

Kenya becomes the first African country to finalize a new health partnership of this kind with the United States, marking a major milestone in global health diplomacy.

Under the agreement, the United States will provide up to USD 1.6 billion over the next five years to support Kenya’s priority health programs.

The funding will focus on preventing and managing diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, as well as improving maternal and child health, eradicating polio, strengthening disease surveillance, and enhancing preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks.

In return, the Government of Kenya has pledged to increase domestic health spending by USD 850 million over the same period.

This commitment aims to ensure that Kenya gradually assumes greater financial responsibility as U.S. assistance decreases toward the end of the framework.

 The approach seeks to promote sustainability and greater local ownership of health programs.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Jeremy P. Lewin, Senior Official for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, expressed delight in signing the agreement with Kenya, describing it as a reaffirmation of the longstanding partnership between the two nations.

He emphasized that, as Secretary Rubio has noted, foreign assistance remains a vital tool of American diplomacy and statecraft, one that must always serve U.S. national interests while strengthening allies.

Lewin added that technical teams from both countries have worked with precision to ensure the framework directs resources efficiently toward high-impact programs that encourage self-reliance and local control.

Brad Smith, Senior Advisor for the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State, highlighted that the agreement with Kenya is one of several productive bilateral health arrangements under development with partner governments worldwide.

He explained that the U.S. aims to save lives and build resilient health systems while promoting American interests through strategic health cooperation.

On Kenya’s side, President Dr. William S. Ruto affirmed that the government is already expanding access to essential health services for all citizens and increasing domestic health financing through the Social Health Authority (SHA).

He noted that Kenya’s priorities align closely with the objectives of the new framework, creating a mutually beneficial foundation for future collaboration.

Hon. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a testament to both nations’ shared vision for a stronger, sustainable health system.

Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, added that the negotiation process, which began on August 27, 2025, successfully ensured that every detail of the agreement aligns with Kenya’s health agenda and safeguards critical service delivery.

The Framework introduces several innovative measures to ensure long-term sustainability of Kenya’s health system.

These include improved procurement of health commodities, support for frontline health workers, expansion of data systems, and integration of faith-based and private sector providers.

 Procurement responsibilities will gradually transition from the U.S. government to the Kenyan government over the five years, strengthening supply chain systems and institutional capacity.

Additionally, frontline health workers currently supported by U.S. funding will be mapped and formally transitioned to the Kenyan government payroll as part of Kenya’s broader effort to build a robust health workforce for universal health coverage.

The framework also supports the scale-up of national health data systems, including the rollout of electronic medical records to track key health indicators across HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, polio, and other diseases.

Finally, the agreement outlines a mechanism to enhance collaboration with faith-based and private healthcare providers by establishing new reimbursement systems with U.S. support.

These provisions are designed to make Kenya’s health sector more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable over the long term.