Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns over the security of Kenyans’ health data under the reported Sh208 billion Kenya–US health agreement.
Speaking on Wednesday during an interview with KTN, Gachagua said the deal, signed during President William Ruto’s recent visit to the United States, raises questions about sovereignty, data protection, and the ethical use of medical information.
“We cannot compromise the privacy of our medical data. Every Kenyan has a right to confidentiality, and such records should not be shared for foreign research without clear safeguards,” Gachagua said.
He expressed support for a constitutional challenge filed by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.
“I wish him well. It is important that these matters are carefully examined,” he added.
The government has defended the agreement, describing it as a health systems-strengthening initiative designed to modernise disease surveillance, improve digital health infrastructure, and expand medical research collaboration.
Gachagua also outlined his vision for Kenya’s healthcare sector should he be elected president.
He proposed reforms to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), reinstatement of the Linda Mama programme, partnerships with faith-based health providers, fair remuneration for doctors, and expansion of universal health coverage.
“If Kenyans allow me to serve as President, I will ensure NHIF meets contemporary needs, reinstate Linda Mama, work closely with faith-based organisations, and ensure doctors are properly remunerated. Hospitals must also be adequately equipped,” he said.
President Ruto, meanwhile, stated that the agreement does not pose a threat to Kenya’s sovereignty or the security of health data.
“Nobody and no government will take advantage of the people of Kenya as long as I am President. The agreement we signed does not undermine the interests of Kenyans, including matters related to health data,” Ruto said.
He added that the Office of the Attorney General had reviewed the agreement thoroughly to ensure that any data collected is governed by Kenyan law.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has filed a petition in the High Court under a certificate of urgency, seeking to have the agreement set aside.
The petition argues that the deal raises constitutional concerns and may affect Kenya’s sovereignty, fiscal independence, and equitable access to health services.
Omtatah is requesting the court to issue a mandatory order requiring the government to undertake comprehensive public participation before entering into any future health-sector agreements of a similar scale.
