Kenya: Ruto Says No Foreign Power Will Exploit Kenyans Under New US Partnership

President William Ruto has vowed that no foreign power or institution will exploit Kenyans under the newly announced partnership between Kenya and the United States, saying his administration will defend national interests while pursuing development benefits from the agreement.

Speaking during the 12th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit, Ruto said the pact is designed to deepen cooperation in trade, security and development without compromising Kenya’s sovereignty or the welfare of its citizens.

“No government, and no entity, will take advantage of the people of Kenya so long as I am President,” Ruto said. He added that the agreement aims to ensure mutual gains and protect local industries, with every clause reviewed by government experts to ensure compliance with Kenyan law.

He announced that the United States has committed around $1.6 billion in support to Kenya’s health sector over the next five years, saying the deal underwent close scrutiny by the Office of the Attorney General to guarantee that key issues — including health data — remain under Kenyan legal protection.

Ruto dismissed claims that the partnership places Kenya at a disadvantage, insisting that the government secured terms that keep Kenyan data protected under domestic legislation. He emphasized that the United States is a longstanding partner and highlighted decades of cooperation in security, tourism and trade.

He also explained that Washington opted to channel resources directly through Kenya’s government rather than NGOs, saying the decision was made to improve efficiency. Ruto criticised groups that previously benefited from donor funding, accusing them of spreading misleading claims because of the shift in funding structure.

Ruto pointed to expanding cooperation, including defence support, increased tourism and ongoing talks on bilateral trade. He said Kenya could become the first African country to sign a standalone trade agreement with the United States.

A central feature of the partnership is a mechanism to fast-track access to essential drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tools during health emergencies by allowing Kenya to rely on approvals granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The approach will help Kenya respond faster during outbreaks while still operating within Kenyan law, he said.

Instead of conducting lengthy scientific reviews, the Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board will use FDA approvals as the primary reference for deployment and then complete the necessary administrative and legal steps required locally.

The framework also includes broader plans to improve health security, including operationalising the Kenya National Public Health Institute, establishing regional hubs, and setting up emergency operation centres at the county level.

By adopting this mechanism, the Ministry of Health aims to reduce delays during public health crises and lower dependence on external donors over time. The goal is to build self-sustaining national capacity for rapid disease detection, prevention and response.

The agreement also streamlines the import of essential medical supplies during outbreaks by recognising FDA emergency authorisations as valid for use in Kenya, ensuring faster deployment of American-developed vaccines and other products when needed.