By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 5 December 2025 - Kenya has clinched a landmark KSh 200 billion health partnership with the United States – the first African country to receive direct government-to-government funding instead of the traditional NGO channel.
The five-year agreement hands full control of the money to the Kenyan government, promising greater transparency, accountability, and alignment with national priorities, especially the push for universal health coverage.
President William Ruto hailed the deal as a game-changer, saying it will deliver better-equipped hospitals, expanded treatment access, stronger disease surveillance, and improved emergency preparedness.
Most importantly, Kenya will decide how every shilling is spent – a major shift from donor-driven models.
Politically, the direct funding reinforces state sovereignty, reduces reliance on external organisations, and gives the administration visible wins to showcase ahead of future elections.
If hospitals in underserved counties suddenly have medicines, equipment and staff, the political dividend for the ruling party could be substantial.
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Yet the deal comes with high stakes.
Kenya must sharply increase its own domestic health budget over time, prove it can manage the funds without leakage, and safeguard sensitive health data in an increasingly digital system.
Past scandals in high-value sectors mean scrutiny – both at home and in Washington – will be intense.
By securing this model, Kenya now positions itself as the model for other African nations seeking bigger, more autonomous international health support under President Ruto’s leadership.
