The government has announced plans to allocate Sh24.9 billion to mitigate the impact of the United States’ freeze on foreign aid, particularly programs funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
This move comes after the administration of former President Donald Trump introduced sweeping policy changes, including suspending USAID programs globally.
The government has committed to pursuing diplomatic interventions, including seeking clarifications, requesting waivers, and securing approvals for the resumption of USAID-funded initiatives. Should these efforts fail, the government plans to absorb the Sh24.9 billion shortfall into its national budget to ensure health services are not disrupted.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reassured the nation that Kenya is fully committed to maintaining the quality of healthcare despite the changes in foreign aid policies. “Certain development partners have recently made abrupt policy changes regarding the financing of health programs,” he stated. “However, we remain focused on ensuring these decisions do not compromise healthcare delivery in Kenya.”
In addition to the Sh24.9 billion allocation, the government has set aside Sh2 billion for vaccines and an additional Sh2.5 billion to safeguard against potential disruptions caused by the Vaccine Alliance Gavi freeze.
Officials also warned that if donor funding is reduced, Kenya risks seeing 58,495 new HIV infections by 2030. Currently, the US contributes Sh24.9 billion to Kenya’s Sh79.8 billion health commodity budget, and any cuts could have serious implications for the country’s health programs.
The government is determined to take all necessary contingency measures to ensure that healthcare services remain unaffected and continue to serve the people of Kenya.