The Kenyan government has emphasized that the recent health cooperation framework with the United States will operate firmly within domestic legal boundaries, assuring citizens of privacy and accountability in data management.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale highlighted the safeguards during a Tuesday interview on Citizen TV.
According to CS Duale, Kenya will only share de-identified and aggregate health data under the agreement, in line with the Data Protection Act of 2019 and the Health Act.
“We now have very robust legislative safeguards to protect our data. Sharing is anchored within our laws,” he stated.
The framework, signed during President William Ruto’s recent visit to Washington, is designed to promote joint public health initiatives and research collaboration.
CS Duale underlined that in cases of legal conflict between Kenyan and US statutes, Kenyan law will prevail. Additionally, any party wishing to terminate participation must provide six months’ notice, giving both sides time to conclude obligations responsibly.
CS Duale also addressed concerns over public resource management, reflecting on past criticisms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As long as I am the health CS, if public health resources are diverted or transparency commitments are breached, Kenyans will hold me accountable. MoH will never again be the Covid billionaires,” he affirmed.
His remarks recall past controversies over procurement and emergency spending during the pandemic, which fueled public debates on accountability.
The Ministry of Health notes that this approach balances the need for international cooperation with Kenya’s commitment to protect citizen data and maintain transparency.
Experts say that de-identified data sharing can support disease surveillance, policy planning, and regional health interventions without compromising individual privacy.
Kenya’s evolving public health framework reflects lessons from previous health emergencies, strengthening governance and institutional oversight.
CS Duale’s assurances come amid ongoing government efforts to restore public confidence in healthcare governance, emphasizing adherence to law, accountability, and strategic international collaboration.