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President William Ruto has moved to calm public concerns over Kenya’s health data following debate on the recently signed partnership with the United States, insisting that all citizen information remains securely protected under Kenyan law.
Ruto said the agreement does not compromise national sovereignty or expose sensitive health records.
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“As long as I am President, no one will take advantage of Kenyans. The agreement we signed cannot in any way undermine our people’s interests, including the safety of our health data,” he said.
He noted that the Office of the Attorney General had subjected the deal to rigorous scrutiny to ensure all data collected is governed strictly by Kenyan legislation.
“The law that applies to Kenyan data is Kenyan law—full stop,” he emphasized.
Ruto spoke at State House on Wednesday during the 12th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit.
He also highlighted Kenya’s longstanding diplomatic and professional ties with the US, saying America—being a strongly democratic nation—would not allow its officials to misuse the partnership. But he added that Kenya would remain vigilant regardless.
“Even if they mean well, we will not allow anyone to exploit us,” he said.
His remarks come amid heightened public debate over data security, confidentiality, and ownership under the Sh208 billion Kenya–US health partnership.
While defending the pact as transparent and rooted in mutual respect, Ruto acknowledged that critics—particularly influencers and activists—have questioned the government’s openness around the deal.
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Under the new arrangement, US funds will be channelled directly to Kenyan government institutions like the Social Health Authority (SHA) and KEMSA, shifting away from the previous NGO-driven model.
Ruto urged NGOs opposed to the new structure to raise their concerns with Washington, saying the shift was a US decision aimed at improving efficiency.
He claimed some groups previously benefiting from US health funds are behind negative narratives about the agreement.
“If they are unhappy, they should address the US government—not us,” he said.
Ruto also assured county governments that they will still receive the resources, and stressed that the facility is not a loan, countering fears of new debt.
