Ruto's Govt Responds After Court Suspended Kenya-US Health Agreement

The government of Kenya has spoken out following the Court’s decision to suspend the health agreement between Kenya and United States (U.S.).

In a public notice dated December 12, 2025, the Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the Government is fully committed to safeguarding national interests in the recently concluded Health Cooperation Framework and Data Sharing Agreement with the United States.

The CS also noted that this partnership is set to bring benefits to Kenyans as the government implements the new funding model.

“The Government wishes to reassure the public regarding the integrity and intent of the recent Health Cooperation Framework and Data Sharing Agreement signed with the United States. This partnership is designed to secure immense benefits for the Kenyan people, specifically by transitioning to a Government-to-Government funding model that enhances accountability and directs critical resources toward disease prevention and Universal Health Coverage,” read part of the notice.

What Led to This Partnership

According to Duale, this plan was shaped on the basis of the sovereignty of the country, data ownership and intellectual property.

The government ensured full protection while boosting the health security.

“We emphasize that this Framework was drafted with strict adherence to due process, ensuring that Kenya’s sovereignty, data ownership, and intellectual property are fully protected while securing essential support to strengthen our health security,” Aden Duale asserted.

Also Read: What the U.S.–Kenya Health Deal Means and What Kenyans Stand to Gain

Government makes Clarity on This Partnership

The government said that the nature of this agreement was originally structured as cooperative policy arrangements rather than international treaties.

Additionally, the Agreement also explicitly restricts the sharing of aggregate data to protect personally identifiable information.

“This is explicitly codified in Article 5(g) of the Data Sharing Agreement, which states that the framework does not constitute an international agreement under international law. Furthermore, on the critical issue of data privacy, the Agreement contains stringent safeguards to protect citizens. Article 2(a) mandates strict compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019, and the Digital Health Act, 2023, while Article 5(f) includes a “supremacy clause” ensuring that Kenyan law prevails in any conflict,” read part notice.

Also Read: Win for Uganda as US Signs $2.3 Billion Health Deal Days After Kenya

Government’s Plea to Court

Ruto’s government remains confident that when full documentation and facts are presented in court, the ban will be lifted.

Duale added that they respect court orders in interpreting the law and safeguarding the rights of Kenyans.

He added that current conservatory orders are specific to the sharing of data and do not suspend the broader partnership.

“The Government is confident that once the Honorable Court is presented with the full documentation and facts, which were not available before the issuance of the interim orders, it will appreciate the intent and spirit of this partnership. We believe the Court will affirm that all legal due processes were followed and that the agreements are fully compliant with the Constitution and the laws of Kenya,” Duale said.