The United States and Kenya have signed a landmark five-year, $2.5 billion Health Cooperation Framework, establishing a new model for bilateral health partnerships and making Kenya the first African nation to finalise such an agreement with Washington. The pact outlines a shared vision to strengthen Kenya’s health system, expand lifesaving services, and advance both nations’ strategic interests.

Under the agreement, the U.S. plans to contribute up to $1.6 billion over the next five years to support priority programs targeting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, polio eradication, disease surveillance, and outbreak preparedness. Kenya, in turn, has committed to increasing its domestic health spending by $850 million, gradually assuming greater financial responsibility as American support tapers.

U.S. officials described the framework as a strategic alignment of public health goals and foreign policy priorities. Jeremy P. Lewin, Senior Official for Foreign Assistance, said the agreement reflects an approach in which American resources are deployed to “bolster our allies” while ensuring high-impact health outcomes. He highlighted that the framework incentivises self-reliance, strengthens local ownership, and shifts resources toward programs with measurable results.

Brad Smith of the U.S. Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy said the Kenya deal represents a template for additional bilateral health agreements the United States expects to finalise with other countries in the coming months.

Kenyan leaders welcomed the arrangement as a major step toward long-term health system resilience. President William Ruto noted that the framework aligns with ongoing domestic reforms, such as the Social Health Authority (SHA), aimed at expanding access to essential services. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga praised the negotiation process, emphasising that the agreement secures continuity of critical services while reinforcing Kenya’s broader universal health coverage agenda.

The Framework includes several structural reforms designed to foster sustainability. Procurement of key medical commodities will gradually transition from U.S. to Kenyan management. Frontline health workers funded by U.S. programs will be integrated into the government payrolls. Investments will also accelerate Kenya’s electronic medical record rollout and strengthen national disease-tracking systems. Additionally, new reimbursement mechanisms will be developed to support faith-based and private health providers.

The agreement is expected to significantly enhance Kenya’s health security while deepening the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries.