By John Mutiso
President William Ruto has vindicated the newly signed health partnership framework between Kenya and the United States of America, describing it as adopted in the interest of Kenyans.
Speaking on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, during a State House meeting with governors, Ruto stated that the government remains guided by what constitutes the public good and cognisant of the resolve to enhance health care through the Universal Health Coverage.
He reassured that the partnership from the bilateral discussions would not leave room for individuals or foreign governments to take advantage of Kenyans, especially regarding the health data of Kenyans.
“Health issues have become a concern for citizens here in Kenya, and we have robustly undertaken far-reaching reforms in that sector,” he said.
“We have ensured that in every undertaking, we will pursue that which is good for our nation. No government will take advantage of the people of Kenya so long as I am president,” he stated.
Ruto specifically addressed issues of data protection and privacy, asserting that the relevant government agencies had taken necessary measures to ensure Kenyans would not be exploited.
“There is no equivocation that the agreement can undermine our people, including matters related to the data of Kenyans. The AG went through the agreement with a fine-tooth comb and ensured that Kenyan laws on data are protected. For anyone to believe we can be shortchanged, they are underestimating our intelligence. We should believe in ourselves,” he added.
According to Ruto, the partnership, which involves technology transfer, regulatory harmonisation and innovation, is based on a solid, long-term foundation of partnership between the two nations.
Ruto added that it speaks to the growing relationship and camaraderie between the two.
“Our relationship with the USA is of mutual benefit. When Biden invited me two years ago for a state visit, it was a statement of confidence in our relationship. When Trump invited me last week, alongside other regional leaders, we took the initiative to get the agreement done.”
According to Ruto, following a delegation from the US to Kenya, the government—through the AG’s office and the Ministry of Health—negotiated the groundbreaking bilateral deal.
“The US government is supporting Kenya with billions. The numbers show the US has spent 7 billion in Kenya on health over time,” he added.
He further allayed fears of Kenyans running into more loans, clarifying that the venture has not been procured as a loan.
His remarks come after he extolled the bilateral discussions in the USA as a defining milestone in the long-standing partnership
