America First global health plan: US signs agreement with Kenya

WASHINGTON, Dec 4 The United States has committed over $1.6 billion to strengthen Kenya's healthcare system through a new five-year partnership signed Thursday, marking the first agreement under the Trump administration's revamped foreign aid framework.

The initiative, introduced in September as the "America First Global Health Strategy," encourages developing nations to assume a larger role in managing HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and polio, gradually shifting from dependency on U.S. aid to self-sufficiency.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kenyan President William Ruto formalized the bilateral agreement, under which Kenya will boost its own health spending by $850 million over the next five years. Similar agreements with other African nations are expected in the near future, according to U.S. officials.

This new U.S. global health approach follows the restructuring of the U.S. Agency for International Development earlier this year. In 2024, the U.S. contributed $440 million to health and population programs in Kenya, most of it $310 million aimed at combating HIV/AIDS.

Rubio emphasized that the updated strategy will redirect funds away from non-governmental organizations, which he claimed previously absorbed a disproportionate share of U.S. aid. "We're not doing this anymore," he stated during the signing ceremony.

Under the compact, U.S. funding will increasingly flow directly to the Kenyan government, which will gradually assume responsibility for health workers initially supported by U.S. aid. The plan also ensures that faith-based healthcare providers receive equal treatment as private entities when reimbursed by the government.

Rubio acknowledged Kenya's contribution to a gang suppression mission in Haiti and encouraged other nations to participate in stabilizing the Caribbean country.

President Ruto praised the U.S. health initiative and highlighted previous American support that saved millions of lives in Kenya. "I assure you that every shilling and every dollar will be spent efficiently, effectively, and accountably," he stated.

Author's Analysis: U.S.-Kenya Health Partnership

The newly signed $1.6 billion agreement between the United States and Kenya represents a significant shift in U.S. foreign health aid. Unlike previous models that heavily relied on non-governmental organizations, the funds will now be directed primarily to the Kenyan government, increasing local ownership and accountability.

Kenya's commitment to add $850 million to its health budget over the next five years underscores a strategic move toward self-sufficiency in managing HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and polio. This aligns with the objectives of the "America First Global Health Strategy," emphasizing the gradual reduction of dependency on U.S. support.

The agreement also signals broader U.S. intentions in Africa, with similar bilateral health deals expected in the near future. By ensuring equitable treatment of faith-based and private healthcare providers, the plan aims to strengthen the overall health system rather than favor specific institutions.

Ultimately, this partnership reflects a calculated effort to combine financial support with local responsibility, while also tying global health assistance to broader geopolitical considerations, such as regional stability initiatives in Haiti.

Sources:

• US signs pact with Kenya under 'America First' global health plan