No more health foreign aid: Mudavadi urges Kenyans to finance country's healthcare
Mudavadi stressed that the country can no longer rely on global donors to sustain Universal Health Coverage.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has acknowledged that international funding for health is dwindling, urging Kenya to develop sustainable solutions to finance its healthcare system.
Mudavadi stressed that the country can no longer rely on global donors to sustain Universal Health Coverage (UHC), urging leaders and citizens to work together in strengthening local healthcare financing mechanisms to ensure affordable and accessible medical services for all.
"Recently, I was in Geneva, Switzerland, where I engaged with the Global Fund, which plays a critical role in global health financing. Last year, President William Ruto led a replenishment effort that secured $28 billion for Kenya. This year, the Global Fund is seeking further replenishment, and their CEO specifically requested President Ruto’s intervention to champion the appeal for increased funding,” Mudavadi said while speaking during the funeral service of the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo in Baringo County.
The Prime CS pointed out that while international partners have historically supported Kenya’s health sector, there is now an expectation for the country to take the lead in financing its healthcare system.
"The world is telling us to take care of our own sick and not to wait for external aid. We must pull together, identify any gaps in the system, and address them. No more money will come from outside for health if we do not put in place sustainable mechanisms," he said.
Warning against politicking
He highlighted the importance of UHC in driving national development, reiterating that healthcare should be accessible and affordable for all Kenyans. Mudavadi also cautioned against politicising health matters, urging leaders to prioritise the well-being of citizens over political interests.
"We can do politics with other things, but let us not do politics with the health of our people. Every Kenyan deserves access to quality healthcare, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure this becomes a reality," he said.
During the service, Mudavadi joined President Ruto and other leaders in paying tribute to Senator Cheptumo, describing him as a leader of integrity and humility. He lauded Cheptumo’s dedication to combating cattle rustling and his unwavering commitment to the people of Baringo County.
"Cheptumo was a forthright, focused, and solid leader. He had no intellectual insecurities; he always stood for what was right and served his people with utmost dedication. His life was a testament to resilience, humility, and the power of prayer," Mudavadi said.
Reflecting on the region’s leadership legacy, he highlighted the contributions of the Tugen community, which has produced remarkable leaders such as the late President Daniel Arap Moi and General Daudi Tonje, whose military reforms continue to shape Kenya’s defense forces.
"As much as the hills of Tugen may be difficult to navigate, they have produced extraordinary leaders. Senator Cheptumo was among them, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come," he added.
The funeral service was attended by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, senior government officials and leaders from across the country, who gathered to honour Senator Cheptumo’s contributions to the nation.
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