By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, July 15, 2026 - Kenya and the United States have signed a new five-year health cooperation agreement expected to mobilise approximately USD 1.6 billion (about KSh206 billion), in a bid to strengthen the country’s healthcare system,
The signing of the Strategic Objective Grant Agreement (SOAG) on Tuesday was overseen by the Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi alongside a US delegation led by Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns.
The framework is expected to support the country’s Universal Healthcare Agenda through strengthening national health institutions and systems, improving supply chain resilience and enhancing local capacity.
“The signing followed months of consultations and technical engagements between the two governments to translate the broader cooperation framework into an actionable programme aligned with Kenya’s health sector priorities,” the ministry stated.
“ The agreement places emphasis on strengthening national institutions and health systems, improving supply chain resilience and building local capacity,” it added.
Key priorities the agreement will focus on include reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), intensified efforts to combat HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, and expansion of digital health services through the Digital Health Superhighway.
The Ministry of Health has maintained that the agreement establishes a structured framework for Kenya–US health cooperation by highlighting shared strategic priorities, financing arrangements, implementation targets and performance measures.
CS Duale is optimistic that, in addition to making the country’s healthcare system self- sustaining, the agreement will be central in advancing Taifa Care, supporting disease prevention and control, and engineering a responsive and resilient health system capable of addressing current and emerging public health challenges.
“Hon. Duale reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a Government-to-Government cooperation model anchored on national ownership, accountability and prudent use of resources,” the ministry stated.
“He noted that the approach is intended to ensure development investments deliver measurable and sustainable health outcomes for Kenyans,” it added.
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