The United States and Kenya have finalized a historic new health cooperation framework. This five-year, $2.5 billion agreement represents the first major deal under the new American global health strategy. The administration’s approach, labeled “America First Global Health Strategy,” aims to fundamentally change how foreign aid is delivered. It moves away from the traditional model that relied heavily on non-governmental organizations, or NGOs.
The new pact replaces a variety of previous health agreements. These agreements were historically managed by the now-dismantled U.S. Agency for International Development. The new framework seeks to eliminate inefficiency and waste from the foreign assistance system. Under the new model, US funding will flow directly to Kenyan government institutions. This change is intended to bolster the country’s national health sovereignty.
The massive financial commitment totals $2.5 billion over five years. The US will provide up to $1.6 billion of that amount. The Kenyan government pledges to co-invest the remaining $850 million. This commitment ensures Kenya gradually assumes greater financial responsibility. The goal is to achieve full financial self-reliance in funding these health programs by 2030.
The core focus of the cooperation framework remains on combating major infectious diseases. These diseases include HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. It also aims to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak response capabilities. The framework supports Kenya’s goal of achieving universal health coverage. It guides the country in expanding health insurance and upgrading its medical equipment and workforce.
A critical aspect of the new strategy involves shifting power away from aid groups. The US government believes the previous system, often called the “NGO industrial complex,” diverted a disproportionate share of aid money. The new model will direct funds to six core Kenyan government bodies. These include the Social Health Authority and the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency. This government-to-government system aims to eliminate fragmentation and duplication of efforts.
Kenya’s willingness to sign this deal makes it a model for future agreements. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Kenya as a perfect partner for this new, incentive-based approach. The US expects to sign similar bilateral compacts with dozens of other nations in the coming months. These deals will focus on countries aligned with the broader US foreign policy goals.
The transition, however, has faced criticism. The elimination of USAID earlier this year led to widespread funding cuts. These cuts affected hundreds of programs focusing on maternal and child care and nutrition across Africa. Experts warned that defending initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, could cost millions of lives. The new agreement seeks to stabilize the remaining programs while enforcing a pathway toward complete local control and funding. Kenyan officials stressed that the nation will ensure all funds are spent efficiently and accountable under the new terms.
