PS Kimtai: Kenya seeking alternative funding after US aid freeze

Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai/File

The government has announced that it is actively engaging regional and international stakeholders to mitigate the impact of funding cuts to the health sector from the United States.

Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai told a stakeholders' forum in Nairobi that the Kenyan government is exploring various measures, including partnerships with African Union institutions.

He added that the government is also seeking collaboration with private-sector investors and philanthropic organizations to address the financial shortfall.

“Additionally, we are enhancing public-private partnerships, increasing efficiency in healthcare spending, and exploring innovative financing models such as health insurance schemes and taxation measures that support universal healthcare coverage,” Kimtai said.

While acknowledging that external funding has played a crucial role in strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system, the PS emphasised the need for sustainable, locally driven solutions.

“This requires a paradigm shift in how we mobilize resources, engage stakeholders, and implement programs,” he noted.

Kimtai also commended county governments for adopting adaptive and innovative strategies to cope with the funding challenges.

“The funding cuts are not just a policy shift; they represent a reality that could disrupt lives, hinder progress, and undermine the significant advancements Kenya has made in healthcare delivery,” he warned.

For decades, Kenya has benefited from partnerships with international agencies, donor organizations, and foreign governments.

Initiatives such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Global Fund, and USAID-supported programs have been instrumental in ensuring access to life-saving medications, improving healthcare infrastructure, and sustaining essential public health interventions.

Kimtai noted that millions of Kenyans have received vital services—including HIV treatment, vaccinations, and maternal and child healthcare—through these collaborative efforts.

“These initiatives are not just statistics; they represent real individuals, families, and transformed lives,” he said.

However, the abrupt cessation of funding poses significant risks, threatening to reverse progress in managing HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases. It also jeopardizes the country’s health workforce, supply chains, and community-based interventions.

“Despite these challenges, we must remain resolute and innovative. This is not a moment for despair but a time for decisive action, unity, and resilience,” Kimtai said.

The PS further stated that the government is working on measures to absorb workers who have lost their jobs due to the US funding freeze, despite their years of dedication to serving vulnerable populations.

He lamented that the sudden withdrawal of funding—without a phased transition to allow necessary adjustments—has resulted in job losses and severely disrupted healthcare services.

“We extend our sincere thoughts to those who have been adversely affected by these cuts. Your contributions have been invaluable, and your dedication has saved countless lives. We recognize that this is a distressing and uncertain period,” he said.

“We assure you that your skills, experience, and commitment remain essential to our nation’s health system. We are committed to finding ways to reintegrate affected personnel into alternative programs and ensuring that healthcare professionals receive the support they need during this transition.”