Kenya becomes first country to seal direct health funding pact with US
Kenya and the US have signed a $1.6 billion Health Cooperation Framework, directing funds to Kenyan state health institutions to bolster universal coverage, infrastructure and emergency preparedness over five years.
Kenya has become the first country to sign a government-to-government Health Cooperation Framework with the United States, marking a historic shift in bilateral health partnerships.
Under the agreement, the US will channel funds directly to Kenyan government health institutions, bypassing NGOs, to ensure resources reach their intended targets.
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The deal, witnessed by President William Ruto in Washington, D.C, on Thursday, involves a commitment of $1.6 billion (Sh208 billion) over the next five years.
It aims to support Kenya’s healthcare systems, strengthen universal health coverage, and enhance emergency preparedness and disease surveillance.
President Ruto highlighted the transformative impact of the agreement, saying: “The framework we sign today adds momentum to my administration’s universal health coverage that is focused on the supply of modern equipment to our hospitals, efficient and timely delivery of health commodities to our facilities, enhancement of our health workforce, and health insurance for all, and leaving no Kenyan behind.”
He expressed gratitude to the US government for choosing Kenya as the first country to implement this direct funding approach, emphasising that it demonstrates confidence in Kenya’s self-sustaining healthcare systems.
“This gesture of goodwill by President Donald Trump, on behalf of the American taxpayers, reinforces our ongoing mobilisation of domestic resources in the health sector. I assure you that every shilling and dollar will be spent efficiently, effectively and accountably,” he said.
President Ruto noted that the framework builds on a long-standing partnership, with over $7 billion (Sh910 billion) invested in Kenya’s health sector over the last 25 years, focusing on resilience, hope, and strong institutions.
“Together, we have built resilience, restored hope, and supported impactful institutions,” he said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that Kenya’s stable institutions and strong healthcare systems were key factors in the US decision to fund government bodies directly.
“We are not going to spend millions of dollars funding the NGO industrial complex while close and important partners like Kenya have very little influence on how healthcare money is spent. Bottom line - if you want to help a country, work with that country, not with a third party that imposes things on that country,” he said.
The Sh208 billion funding will support the purchase of medicines and the development of domestic health infrastructure, aiming to build a self-sustaining system. Secretary Rubio also praised Kenya’s role in Haiti, noting that the country’s contribution was crucial in the gang suppression mission.
“If we had five or 10 countries willing to step forward to do half of what Kenya has done, it would be an extraordinary achievement,” he said.
President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to Haiti, stating the country will continue to support the peace mission. He lauded the US for its support and for encouraging other nations to contribute personnel, resources, and equipment.
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