In a timely intervention that has brought renewed hope to Kenya’s healthcare system, eleven health and development institutions in the country have received a total of Sh42 billion from the US Embassy in Nairobi. This crucial financial lifeline comes at a time when the future of US foreign aid remains uncertain due to the prolonged shutdown of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The funds, disbursed despite the freeze on traditional aid channels, signal a strong commitment from the US to uphold critical health partnerships in Kenya, even as political and legal battles continue to challenge the core mechanisms of international support.
The allocation was detailed in a memorandum submitted to the US Congress by Ryan Shrum, a senior official in legislative affairs. The document outlines how key institutions across Kenya were selected to receive funds based on their long-standing contributions to public health, particularly in HIV and tuberculosis care, health research, and essential drug distribution. The Program for Appropriate Technology in Health emerged as the top recipient with Sh7.5 billion, closely followed by LVCT Health, which received Sh6 billion for its pivotal work in HIV prevention and care. Deloitte & Touche LLP, with its oversight and audit expertise in healthcare systems, was granted Sh5.2 billion.
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, one of the country’s leading medical training and service facilities, received Sh5.1 billion, while the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) secured Sh3.8 billion to maintain a steady supply of life-saving medications. Amref Health Africa and Moi University College of Health Sciences also received substantial allocations to support ongoing health research, training, and outreach services. Additional funding was channeled to regional branches of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Bungoma and Busia, the Christian Health Association of Kenya, the Centre for Health Solutions – Kenya, and St. John’s Community Centre in Pumwani.
This funding infusion offers more than just operational continuity—it represents a critical stabilizer for Kenya’s healthcare ecosystem, especially amid uncertainties that have shaken global donor frameworks. According to Kenya’s Ministry of Health, approximately Sh24.9 billion of the annual Sh80.5 billion needed for national health programs traditionally comes from the US government. The suspension of USAID operations therefore posed a significant threat to ongoing HIV treatment efforts, maternal health services, and health worker training programs.
The freeze stemmed from the Trump-era push to dismantle USAID, a move spearheaded by the Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by administration ally Elon Musk. However, these efforts have faced a tug of war in the judiciary. A federal judge initially blocked the dismantling, citing multiple constitutional violations and overreach in foreign policy. Another ruling in March directed the government to compensate USAID partners for previously rendered services. Despite these legal victories for aid recipients, a recent appeals court decision reinstated the cuts, affirming that Musk’s directives were within constitutional bounds and had procedural legitimacy.
The US Embassy’s direct disbursement of funds in the face of these challenges not only cushions the immediate blow but also underscores the depth of bilateral relations between Kenya and the United States. It highlights a growing recognition of the need to shield essential health services from political instability. As Kenya continues to grapple with the long-term implications of aid volatility, this financial support offers a much-needed anchor—ensuring that vital services continue without interruption and that decades of health progress are not reversed.
