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Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced that Kenya will raise its assessed contribution to the World Health Organization (WHO) to 20 percent over the next four years.
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Speaking at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, Duale affirmed Kenya’s backing of the proposed increase, stating: “Kenya supports the proposal to raise the assessed contribution to 20 percent.”
Duale emphasized the importance of sustainable funding for WHO, especially at a time when global financial resources are stretched. He reiterated Kenya’s dedication to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), improving health financing, and investing in digital health systems to enable data-driven decision-making.
“Our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda is anchored in UHC, through which we are working to strengthen the national healthcare system,” he said.
The Assembly’s Investment Roundtable aims to raise funding for WHO’s 2025–2028 global strategy, the 14th General Programme of Work, to provide long-term support to member states and health stakeholders.
WHO funding relies on both mandatory contributions, based on each country’s economy, and voluntary donations. A recent funding gap of $600 million, caused by a pullout from USAID, has prompted calls for increased contributions. In response, member states approved an additional annual allocation equivalent to Sh11.5 billion to reinforce WHO’s financial sustainability.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed the funding commitments, saying they highlight continued global unity and cooperation.
Kenya also urged nations to swiftly adopt a global pandemic treaty and its annex, which aims to ensure equitable access to health technologies and benefits for developing countries.
Duale hailed the draft agreement as a landmark step achieved through prolonged negotiation.
“This agreement represents a major milestone for future generations,” he said. “It ensures that they will be better equipped to handle future health crises.”
