‘No Govt Will Take Advantage of Kenyans So Long as I Am President’ Ruto Moves to Calm Public Over Data Fears in Sh323bn Health Deal With US

President William Ruto has sought to calm growing public unease over the Sh323 billion health partnership signed with the United States, insisting the agreement does not expose Kenyans’ personal data to any foreign government.

Speaking during the National and County Governments Summit at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, Ruto dismissed claims that the deal—signed on December 4—grants US agencies access to sensitive health records. He said the document went through rigorous legal scrutiny before approval.

Ruto told leaders that the Office of the Attorney General had combed through the agreement in detail and found no loophole that could compromise citizens’ privacy or violate the Data Protection Act.

He insisted the pact mirrors previous cooperation frameworks Kenya has signed with Washington.

“There is no equivocation whatsoever that the agreement can undermine the interest of the people of Kenya including matters to do with our health data. The Office of the Attorney General went through the agreement with a tooth comb,” Ruto said. “No government will take advantage of the people of Kenya so long as I am President.”

His remarks come amid public alarm triggered by online claims that the funding deal could allow US institutions to bypass Kenya’s data protection safeguards. Some civil society groups raised concerns that the level of financial support and programme involvement could create indirect access to national health systems.

The President suggested that a section of NGOs were behind the pushback, saying reforms in donor engagement have disrupted long-standing funding channels that once enriched organisations rather than improving health outcomes.

“It is not me who said this. The US government said it didn’t want to fund the NGO industry. So if anyone feels aggrieved because they were making good money, owning luxurious offices and driving big cars, why blame us?” Ruto posed.

The Ministry of Health last week published the full agreement and dispatched senior officials to media outlets to reassure Kenyans that the deal does not touch on personal data and is centred strictly on programme financing.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga led Kenya’s negotiating team in talks with visiting US officials. Under the arrangement, Washington will provide Sh206 billion over the next five years while Kenya contributes the balance. The funds will support national and county programmes tackling HIV/Aids, malaria and polio.

The US has historically been Kenya’s largest health-sector partner, with major investments flowing through PEPFAR, USAID and the CDC. Government officials argued the new agreement simply formalises and restructures that cooperation.

Ruto also revealed that broader bilateral trade negotiations with Washington are nearing conclusion. He said Kenya could sign a standalone agreement in January 2026, potentially becoming the first African country to secure a post-AGOA trade pact with the US.

The President maintained that the health deal marks a significant step in strengthening Kenya’s international partnerships without sacrificing national sovereignty or citizens’ rights, adding that his administration will remain firm on safeguarding the country’s data infrastructure.