Nairobi, Kenya – On December 4, 2025, Kenya made history by becoming the first African country to sign a bilateral health agreement with the United States under the administration of former President Donald Trump. The agreement marks a major step in international health cooperation in the Global South and comes after the dissolution of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in February 2025.
The signing ceremony, held in Washington, D.C., was attended by Kenyan President William Ruto and U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Under the agreement, the United States will provide over $1.6 billion (€1.37 billion) over five years to support Kenya’s healthcare system. The funds are targeted at fighting AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and polio. Kenya will contribute an additional $850 million, gradually taking on greater financial responsibility for its own healthcare programs.
The move strengthens Kenya’s reputation in Washington. The country had previously gained recognition for leading a multinational security mission in Haiti, aimed at tackling gang violence. Although the mission’s outcomes were mixed—deploying fewer than 1,000 officers out of an initial target of 2,500—U.S. officials praised Kenya’s commitment and expressed hope for continued participation under a future United Nations mandate.
This agreement is seen as a milestone for Africa, as it reflects strong U.S.-Kenya cooperation in health and security at a time when American foreign aid is increasingly being reshaped under new policies. Rwanda followed Kenya shortly after, signing a similar bilateral health deal with the United States.
The partnership is expected to strengthen Kenya’s healthcare capacity, improve public health outcomes, and create a model for other African nations to secure long-term international support for disease prevention and health system development.
