President William Ruto has defended Kenya’s recent health agreement with the United States, reassuring Kenyans that the deal will not exploit the country or undermine its interests. Speaking on Wednesday at the 12th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit in Nairobi, the President emphasized that the agreement is grounded in strong legal frameworks and is focused on Kenya’s security and citizens’ welfare.
The Kenya-United States Health Cooperation Framework is a major initiative between Kenya and the US, which aims to enhance the country’s healthcare system with significant financial support. Under the agreement, the US will invest over $1.6 billion (about KSh 208 billion) in Kenya’s healthcare over the next five years. President Ruto confirmed that the funds will go directly to county governments to boost local health services, ensuring that the resources reach the communities that need them the most.
Despite concerns raised by some critics, including organizations affected by the change in how health funds are managed, President Ruto assured the public that the government had thoroughly reviewed the deal. He said that Kenya’s laws, especially those governing data privacy, will remain the top priority, and that the government will not allow foreign entities to exploit Kenyans’ personal health data.
“Our goal is clear: We are focused on safeguarding the interests of Kenyans while pursuing what is best for our nation,” Ruto stated. He added that no one would take advantage of Kenya or its people during his presidency.
President Ruto also addressed concerns from NGOs and other organizations that have traditionally managed US-funded health programs. He clarified that it was the US government’s decision to bypass the NGO sector and provide funding directly to the Kenyan government for better efficiency. He said those who had an issue with the new system should direct their concerns to the US government, which made the policy change for operational reasons.
The President highlighted that Kenya was chosen as the first country to sign this health agreement not by chance but because the US recognized the effectiveness of Kenyan institutions and the country’s human capital. The partnership is a reflection of the strong ties between Kenya and the United States, not just in health, but also in trade, investment, and tourism.
Ruto also shared that Kenya is in advanced talks with the US on a potential bilateral trade agreement. If successful, Kenya would become the first African nation to sign such a deal, which would further strengthen economic relations between the two countries.
The summit, which brought together national and county government officials, also touched on other important issues. President Ruto praised the partnership between national and county governments in advancing the devolution agenda, saying it has brought critical services closer to the people. He cited improvements in healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure as examples of how counties have benefitted from stronger collaboration with the central government.
In addition, the President announced the transfer of more than 46,000 parcels of land and over 8,000 housing units to county governments, encouraging counties to process the necessary legal documents to ensure smooth ownership transfer.
The President acknowledged delays in implementing some past resolutions but urged both national and county governments to work together to urgently implement the remaining agreements. He stressed that the country’s transformation hinges on cooperation between various levels of government.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who chairs the Council of Governors, also reiterated the importance of collaboration to achieve the goals of devolution and promote inclusive growth across Kenya.
As the summit concluded, President Ruto expressed his commitment to responsible governance and assured Kenyans that his administration would continue to work towards improving their welfare, especially in key sectors such as healthcare, land, and housing.
In summary, President Ruto’s message was clear: the Kenya-US health agreement is a step toward improving Kenya’s healthcare system without compromising the country’s sovereignty or the rights of its people. The collaborative approach between national and county governments remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s development strategy as the country moves forward with ambitious health and economic reforms.
