Kenyan Court Suspends U.S. Health Pact Over Data Privacy
By The Urban Gazette East Africa Legal Desk
Nairobi, Kenya
A Kenyan High Court has temporarily suspended implementation of a US-funded health cooperation agreement worth $1.6 billion after legal challenges questioned whether the treaty sufficiently protects citizens’ health data privacy under Kenyan law.
The Consumers Federation of Kenya filed the suit, arguing that the agreement lacked clear provisions for independent oversight, public accountability, and localized data safeguards. The judge ruled that sections of the pact must be reviewed before enforcement can proceed.
The ruling has regional implications given similar bilateral health pacts signed in Rwanda and Uganda. Kenyan authorities asserted that domestic privacy laws will guide the eventual implementation.
Why It Matters
This case highlights rising demands for digital rights and data protection in health systems — especially as donor-funded programs generate vast amounts of personal patient information.
What to Watch
- Court timelines on privacy review
- Amendments proposed to the health pact
- Regional trends in health data governance
