As a result of the recent decision by the United States Government to suspend funding for various global health programs, including in Kenya, the Principal Secretary (PS) for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, has appreciated the role of various stakeholders in strengthening government efforts in providing reliable healthcare services, urging them to seek alternative sources of funds, so as to continue discharging their mandate.
The PS noted that this development has created considerable repercussions worldwide more so in Kenya, where it is not merely a shift in policy but a representation of a reality that has the potential to disrupt lives, hinder progress, and undermine the various milestones the country has achieved in providing quality healthcare services to Kenyans.
He stated that Kenya has benefitted from various partnerships with international agencies, donor organisations, and foreign governments for decades highlighting initiatives such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Global Fund, and USAID-supported programs, which have played instrumental roles in ensuring access to life-saving medications, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and sustaining essential public health interventions.
Kimtai added that millions of Kenyans have received vital services, including HIV treatment, vaccinations, and maternal and child healthcare, due to these collaborative efforts.
“These initiatives are not simply statistics; they represent real individuals, families, and transformed lives,” stressed Kimtai during a high-level consultative meeting to discuss government-led mitigation measure on foreign aid adjustments
Further, he bemoaned the abrupt cessation of funding which presents significant risks that threaten to reverse the progress made in managing HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases, in addition to jeopardising Kenya’s health workforce, supply chains, and community-based interventions.
“Nevertheless, even amidst these challenges, we must remain resolute and innovative. This is not a moment for despair but a time for decisive action, unity, and resilience,” urged the PS.
Kimtai acknowledged the considerable burden the situation has placed on healthcare workers, many of whom have dedicated their lives to serving vulnerable populations.
He pointed out that the sudden withdrawal of funding—without a gradual transition to facilitate necessary adjustments—has resulted in job losses for many and severely disrupted services.
“We recognise this is a distressing and uncertain period; however, we assure you that your skills, experience, and commitment are essential to our nation’s health system. We are committed to identifying ways to reintegrate affected personnel into alternative programs and ensure that healthcare professionals receive the support they require during this transition,” he assured.
Kimtai expressed his deep appreciation to the leaders and managers responsible for conveying this difficult information to their teams, recognising the emotional and psychological challenges in informing dedicated staff that their services are no longer funded.
He commended their leadership during these trying times encouraging them to continue providing guidance, support, and hope and further collaborate with other stakeholders to sustain as many healthcare workers as possible.
The PS reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to safeguard the health and well-being of every Kenyan by seeking sustainable, locally driven solutions which have necessitated a paradigm shift in mobilising resources, engaging stakeholders, and implementing programs.
“We have observed commendable adaptive and innovative strategies by counties to cope with the unprecedented changes,” said Kimtai.
He at the same time urged development partners to continue collaborating with the Ministry to identify alternative funding mechanisms, leverage domestic resources, and advocate for policy reforms prioritising health financing.
Kimtai announced that the Government is actively engaging with regional and international stakeholders, to mitigate the effects of the funding cuts including pursuing partnerships with African Union institutions, private sector investors, and philanthropic organisations, to address the financial gap.
“We are enhancing public-private collaborations, increasing efficiency in our healthcare spending, and exploring innovative financing models, such as health insurance schemes and taxation measures that support Universal Healthcare Coverage,” highlighted the PS.
He also called upon local communities, civil society organisations, and County governments, to assume a more prominent role in the initiative, insisting that health is not solely the government’s responsibility, but a collective duty that requires the involvement of all stakeholders who, by working together, can construct a resilient healthcare system that is self-sufficient, adaptable, and responsive to the needs of our population.
Meanwhile, Kimtai critiqued the piecemeal approach to communication regarding these funding changes that complicates Kenya’s ability to respond effectively and maintain organisational coherence.
The PS mentioned that the challenge of ongoing and often fragmented communication which unveils new developments each day, is frequently communicated in ways that foster instability and uncertainty.
“We call for a structured, collaborative approach to transition, one that prioritises the well-being of patients, strengthens the health system and ensures continuity of care for all Kenyans,” he urged.
By Michael Omondi
