Kenya signs important health agreement with US despite concerns about data

Kenya has entered a groundbreaking five-year health agreement with the United States, marking the first such deal since significant changes to US foreign aid under Donald Trump's administration. Valued at $2.5 billion, the pact is designed to tackle infectious diseases in Kenya, with similar arrangements expected in other African nations in line with the US government's strategic objectives.

The government-to-government agreement is intended to enhance transparency and accountability, though it has sparked concerns over potential US access to sensitive health information. Kenyas Health Minister Aden Duale reassured the public that only anonymized and aggregated data would be shared under the agreement.

In January, the Trump administration froze foreign aid as part of a government spending review, restructured the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and reduced aid funding for low-income countries, affecting the availability of certain medications. Later, the "America First Global Health Strategy" tied foreign assistance to US priorities and efficiency objectives.

Under the new deal, the US will contribute $1.7 billion while Kenya provides $850 million initially, with plans for the country to assume a greater share over time. The program focuses on HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, maternal health, polio eradication, and readiness for infectious disease outbreaks.

Speaking at the signing ceremony alongside President William Ruto, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the agreement as a "historic partnership" and praised Kenyas longstanding role as an ally and contributor to international peacekeeping efforts.

Rubio emphasized that US aid would flow directly to governments instead of non-governmental organizations, stating that this approach ensures partner countries like Kenya have significant influence over health funding allocations.

President Ruto confirmed that the funds would support national priorities, including modern hospital equipment and expansion of the healthcare workforce, assuring that the money would be managed responsibly and transparently.

Despite official reassurances, some Kenyans are calling for the full agreement to be published, citing fears that the deal could give the US access to personal medical data, including HIV status, tuberculosis treatment records, vaccination history, and other sensitive health information. Lawyer Willis Otieno and whistle-blower Nelson Amenya have requested explicit clarification on what types of data are shared and called for public access to the complete document.

Minister Duale maintained that Kenyan health data remains protected under national law and is considered a strategic asset. US officials have not yet responded to concerns regarding data privacy.

Other African nations are expected to sign similar agreements before the end of the year, according to US authorities.

Author: Caleb Jennings