Kenya Secures Landmark KSh 240 Billion Health Deal With U.S. in Washington

By Ryan Mumo 

Kenya has entered a historic new phase in its health sector transformation after President William Ruto on Thursday presided over the signing of the Kenya–U.S. Health Cooperation Framework in Washington, D.C., sealing a KSh 240 billion (USD 1.6 billion) partnership to strengthen healthcare delivery over the next five years. 

Speaking at the ceremony alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Ruto hailed the agreement as a powerful affirmation of a decades-long partnership that has profoundly shaped Kenya’s healthcare landscape.

For more than 25 years, the United States has invested over USD 7 billion in Kenyan health programmes targeting HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and other life-threatening illnesses, support the President said has “saved millions of lives, restored hope and built national resilience.” 

Ruto described the new framework as “consequential, transformative and historic,” noting that it comes at a pivotal time when Kenya is implementing a universal health coverage plan anchored on improved hospital equipment, timely health commodities, strengthened medical personnel and inclusive insurance that leaves “no Kenyan behind.” 

The cooperation deal will also expand disease surveillance and emergency preparedness—areas that have grown in importance following global health shocks in recent years. 

President Ruto expressed deep gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump and the American people for the substantial commitment, calling it a gesture that reinforces Kenya’s own efforts to mobilize domestic resources for health sector reforms.

He assured both nations that every dollar and shilling would be utilized “efficiently, effectively and accountably.” 

The signing marks one of the most significant bilateral health investments in Kenya’s history and is expected to accelerate the country’s journey toward a more resilient, equitable and sustainable healthcare system.