Kenya health sector unions have endorsed the newly signed Kenya United States Health Cooperation Framework, citing improved job security, stronger public systems, and enhanced national control over healthcare programmes. The agreement, valued at 2.5 billion dollars, has been described by union leaders as a major shift in how critical health services are funded and managed in the country.
The Health Union Caucus said the framework represents a move away from donor-driven aid models toward a direct government-to-government partnership. The caucus brings together several major unions, including KUCO, KNUMLO, KEHPHPU, KMPDU, KUNAD, and KNUPT, which collectively represent thousands of health workers across Kenya.
According to the unions, the agreement prioritises the welfare of healthcare workers while strengthening the long term sustainability of the national health system. They noted that for many years, more than 28,000 professionals supporting HIV, tuberculosis and malaria programmes have worked under unstable contracts tied to external funding cycles. This situation, they said, has created uncertainty and undermined workforce morale.
The caucus welcomed provisions in the framework that outline a clear and time bound plan to transition 13,800 frontline health workers onto the national public payroll by 2028. Union officials said this move will reduce contractual insecurity and help retain skilled personnel within public service, ensuring continuity in essential health programmes.
Another key area highlighted by the unions is the shift in funding channels. Under the new framework, financial support will be directed to Kenyan state institutions instead of non governmental organisations. The caucus said this approach will reduce administrative losses and ensure more resources reach service delivery points where patient needs are greatest.
The unions also pointed to reforms in medical commodity procurement. By December 2026, procurement is expected to transition fully to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority. The caucus said this change is intended to reduce medicine shortages and improve timely access to life saving drugs at community level.
On data protection, the unions sought to reassure the public that the framework safeguards national interests. They said the Data Sharing Agreement prohibits the transfer of personally identifiable information and only allows the use of aggregated and de identified data to track programme performance. According to the statement, all health data remains the property of the Government of Kenya and any data use is governed by the Data Protection Act of 2019 and the Digital Health Act of 2023.
While acknowledging that the agreement is currently under judicial review, the caucus urged stakeholders to consider the implications of delays. They described the framework as critical to Kenya transition toward Universal Health Coverage and a more self reliant healthcare system.
The unions said they will closely monitor implementation to ensure funds are protected from misuse and that commitments are fulfilled. They also called for strong audit mechanisms, dialogue to resolve legal challenges, and additional planning to absorb health workers not covered under the current agreement.
