Kenya, US sign Sh208 billion health cooperation deal to transform to strengthen primary care, services
The agreement is the result of months of high-level negotiations, beginning on August 27, 2025, and establishes Kenya as the first African country to secure a new health cooperation model with the United States.
Kenya and the United States have signed a five-year, Sh208 billion ($2.5 billion) Health Cooperation Framework designed to transform Kenya’s health system by ensuring predictable funding, strengthening institutions, and promoting long-term sustainability.
The framework, described by Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga as a “game changer,” shifts the focus from traditional aid to a model of co-investment, accountability, and domestic financing that aligns with Kenya’s ongoing health reforms.
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The agreement is the result of months of high-level negotiations, beginning on August 27, 2025, and establishes Kenya as the first African country to secure a new health cooperation model with the United States.
It is structured to provide up to $1.6 billion in US support over five years, while the Kenyan government contributes Sh70 billion ($850 million) to gradually assume greater responsibility for sustaining essential health programmes.
“This Framework represents a departure from previous approaches and is expected to have a lasting impact on health for all. We promoted the best interests of our people, ensuring critical service certainty and alignment with the government’s health agenda. We shall implement this framework efficiently, effectively, and with accountability,” Oluga said.
President William Ruto, who witnessed the signing alongside US President Donald Trump, highlighted the agreement’s alignment with Kenya’s efforts to expand essential services through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“The government is already expanding essential health services and increasing domestic health financing through the Social Health Authority,” he said. “The commitments in the Framework are fully aligned and mutually beneficial.”
The framework is structured around several key pillars that are expected to transform Kenya’s health sector:
• Health Financing and Co-Investment: Kenya will increase domestic spending while the United States supports priority programmes, creating a predictable and sustainable funding model.
• Strengthening Key Institutions: Investments target the SHA, the Digital Health Agency (DHA), and the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA), improving supply chains, service delivery, and health infrastructure.
• Frontline Health Workforce: US-supported health workers will transition to the Kenyan payroll, supporting Universal Health Coverage and workforce development.
• Primary Healthcare and Service Delivery: The framework emphasises equitable access to quality care, focusing on disease prevention, maternal and child health, and infectious disease management.
• Data and Digital Systems: Funding will scale up electronic medical records and national health information systems to ensure robust monitoring of health programs and outcomes.
• Performance and Accountability: Resources are tied to measurable outcomes, with mutual commitments ensuring efficient and transparent implementation.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described the framework as a new chapter in Kenya–US collaboration that moves beyond short-term donor support.
The agreement provides stability for health programmes that previously depended on variable funding and positions Kenya to lead its own health agenda over the long term.
PS Oluga emphasised that the framework ensures predictable funding, strengthens institutions, and sets clear expectations for accountability.
“The engagements which began on August 27, 2025, have culminated in this signing on Friday. This cooperation framework represents a departure from previous approaches and is expected to have a lasting impact on health for all,” he said.
By embedding co-investment, domestic financing, capacity building, and mutual accountability, the Kenya–US Health Cooperation Framework is positioned to enhance primary healthcare, disease prevention, and workforce capacity while ensuring long-term sustainability.
With the SHA as the central platform for Universal Health Coverage, the framework aims to deliver equitable health services across Kenya while deepening the partnership between the two countries.
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