Kenyan court suspends 'landmark' US health aid deal over data privacy concerns

December 11, 2025

A Kenyan court has temporarily halted a $2. 5 billion health aid agreement between Kenya and the United States due to concerns about the protection of citizens' private medical information. The suspension followed legal action by consumer rights advocates who worry the deal could enable unauthorized access to sensitive health records including HIV status and vaccination histories.

Who is affected

Kenyan citizens (whose medical data is at the center of privacy concerns)
The Kenyan government and President William Ruto's administration
The US government and Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) and other consumer rights lobbies
Other African countries: Rwanda, Lesotho, Liberia, and Uganda (who signed similar deals)

What action is being taken

A Kenyan court is suspending implementation of the health aid deal
The court is barring Kenyan authorities from taking steps to put the deal into practice regarding data transfer
Consumer rights groups are pursuing legal action against the agreement
The US is signing similar health aid agreements with other African countries

Why it matters

This case matters because it highlights the tension between securing substantial foreign health aid and protecting citizens' sensitive medical information in an era of digital health systems. The concern extends beyond privacy rights to questions of national sovereignty, as critics worry that external control of pharmaceutical supplies and digital health infrastructure could undermine Kenya's strategic control over its own health systems. The outcome could set a precedent for similar bilateral health agreements across Africa.

What's next

The case is scheduled to return to court on 12 February for a full hearing.

Read full article from source: BBC