Kenya and the US Reach a Sh208 Billion Agreement to Improve Primary Healthcare

Posted on : Tuesday , 6th January 2026

A five-year, Sh208 billion ($2.5 billion) Health Cooperation Agreement between Kenya and the United States aims to improve Kenya's health system by providing steady funding, improving institutions and encouraging long-term sustainability.

The arrangement, which was named a "game changer" by Kenya's Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga, moves the emphasis from traditional aid to a co-investment, accountability and domestic finance model that complements Kenya's ongoing medical improvements.

Kenya became the first nation in Africa to obtain a new model of health collaboration with the United States after months of high-level negotiations.

It is designed to give up to $1.6 billion in US assistance over the course of five years, with the Kenyan government contributing Sh70 billion ($850 million) to eventually take up more responsibility for maintaining vital health programs.

"This structure is a change from earlier methods and is anticipated to have a long-lasting effect on everyone's health. By guaranteeing essential service certainty and consistency with the government's health goal, we advanced the best interests of our citizens. We will put this structure into practice effectively, efficiently and responsibly," Oluga declared.

Alongside US President Donald Trump, and William Ruto, president of Kenya, attended the ceremony and emphasized how the deal supports Kenya's efforts to increase access to vital services via the Social Health Authority (SHA).

"The government is already increasing domestic health financing through the Social Health Authority and expanding essential health services. The structure's commitments are completely aligned and mutually beneficial." He stated.

The structure is built around a number of important elements that are anticipated to revolutionize the medical sector in Kenya:

• Health Financing and Co-Investment: In order to create a stable and long-lasting funding model, Kenya will raise domestic spending while the US supports priority programs.

• Strengthening Key Institutions: By enhancing supply chains, providing services and health infrastructure, investments are made in the SHA, the Digital Health Agency (DHA) and the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA).

• Frontline Health Workforce: In order to facilitate workforce growth and universal health coverage, US-supported health professionals will be transferred to the Kenyan payroll.

• Primary Healthcare and Service Delivery: The structure prioritizes equal availability of excellent medical services with an emphasis on infectious disease management, maternity and child health and illness prevention.

• Data and Digital Systems: To guarantee thorough monitoring of health initiatives and results, funding will expand electronic medical records and national health information systems.

• Performance and Accountability: Mutual pledges guarantee effective and transparent execution and resources are linked to quantifiable results.

The structure, according to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, is a new phase in Kenya-US cooperation that goes beyond temporary donor assistance.