NAIROBI, Kenya –President William Ruto has disclosed that the United States has committed nearly Sh200 billion in grants to support Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure, defending the government’s deepening health partnership with Washington amid controversy over a planned Ebola preparedness facility in Laikipia.
Speaking as public debate intensifies over the US-backed Ebola isolation and preparedness centre at Laikipia Air Base, Ruto said the broader Kenya-US health partnership extends far beyond the current project and has played a significant role in strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
“The agreement between Kenya and the US is for the good of the country. The US has given a grant of close to Sh200 billion to support the building of our health infrastructure,” the President said.
The revelation comes at a time when sections of the public, opposition leaders and civil society groups have questioned the government’s decision to approve the Ebola preparedness facility, fearing it could expose Kenya to additional health risks.
However, Ruto argued that the partnership reflects decades of cooperation between the two countries in tackling public health challenges.
According to the President, the United States has consistently supported Kenya’s fight against diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, while also investing heavily in health systems, laboratory capacity and disease surveillance programmes.
“I gave the okay because it was an agreement with friends who have walked with us for years. It is a partnership that is mutually beneficial,” he said.
Over the years, the US government has channelled billions of shillings into Kenya’s healthcare sector through programmes such as PEPFAR, one of the world’s largest HIV/AIDS initiatives, helping millions of Kenyans access treatment and care.
Health experts note that international funding has been critical in improving Kenya’s diagnostic capabilities, healthcare workforce training, vaccine distribution networks and emergency response systems.
Ruto said the latest collaboration with the United States is aimed at enhancing Kenya’s preparedness against emerging health threats, particularly as neighbouring countries continue to battle infectious disease outbreaks.
The President dismissed claims that the Ebola facility would primarily serve foreign interests, insisting that any infrastructure developed through the partnership would ultimately benefit Kenyans.
“What the American Government is doing is to work with us in building our capacity to make sure that if ever we needed a facility, that facility will be there to serve the people of Kenya,” he said.
His remarks come against the backdrop of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has heightened concerns across East Africa. Kenyan authorities have already intensified surveillance at border points, airports and health facilities as part of national preparedness measures.
The disclosure of the Sh200 billion support package is likely to strengthen the government’s argument that international health partnerships remain vital in safeguarding Kenya’s public health system at a time when disease outbreaks are becoming increasingly global in nature.
While legal challenges and public concerns surrounding the Laikipia facility continue, the government maintains that its cooperation with the United States is focused on strengthening health infrastructure, boosting emergency response capacity and protecting Kenyans from future pandemics.
For the Ruto administration, the message is clear: the Ebola preparedness facility may be the current flashpoint, but the broader partnership represents a long-term investment in Kenya’s healthcare future.
