Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has been formally recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for his leadership in championing the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, a landmark global framework aimed at strengthening international collaboration in pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response.
The recognition was made during a high-level event held on July 10, 2025, at WHO Headquarters in Geneva, where WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the political commitment that helped bring the historic agreement to life.
“The adoption by the World Health Assembly of the Pandemic Agreement was a historic moment in global health. But we would not have reached that moment without sustained political advocacy from the highest levels,” Dr. Tedros stated.
Uhuru joins a select group of current and former heads of state acknowledged for their guidance and unwavering support for the initiative. Others honoured included former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera and Tunisian President Kais Saied, whose countries received commemorative plaques for their early advocacy.
Kenya was recognised alongside 24 other nations, including France, Germany, Indonesia, Rwanda, Senegal, the United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, and others spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
The WHO Pandemic Agreement builds on global momentum initiated in 2021 when 25 world leaders called for a pandemic treaty to prevent a repeat of the COVID-19 crisis. It seeks to establish a stronger and more equitable international health architecture grounded in cooperation, transparency, and shared responsibility.
Key provisions of the agreement are already being operationalised through a newly formed intergovernmental working group, with a focus on equitable benefit-sharing and access to pathogens for research and response purposes.
Uhuru’s recognition highlights Kenya’s active engagement in global health diplomacy and underscores his continued influence in shaping international health policy after his presidency.
Written By Rodney Mbua
