Critical health programmes are facing a severe funding crisis following President Donald Trump’s freeze on foreign aid and ongoing strikes by 8,500 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers who received no funding in the 2025/2026 budget estimates.

The National Assembly’s Health Committee told members of the Budget and Appropriation Committee that Kenya urgently needs Sh47 billion to maintain HIV and vaccine programmes after massive cuts.

This includes Sh33.9 billion for HIV and tuberculosis programmes plus human resources, Sh4.2 billion for Kenya’s counterpart funding to procure HIV drugs and vaccines, and Sh8.8 billion to absorb striking UHC workers.

Aid freeze

Health Committee chairman James Nyikal (Seme) explained that Kenya suffered major setbacks after the US government froze funding in January.

“The Sh33.9billion is what is required to fund these programmes after [USAID] cut funding,” Nyikal (pictured) told budget committee chair Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga).

UHC workers

The Sh4.2 billion represents critical counterpart funding that Kenya must provide to unlock donor assistance. “If we don’t get it, we lose the donor funding,” Nyikal warned, calling for ring-fencing funds for strategic programmes during budget cuts.

Kenya previously received about $1.7 billion (Sh220.15 billion) in US aid over three years, primarily supporting HIV programmes, economic development, agriculture, health services, water sanitation, and governance initiatives.

The 8,500 UHC workers, currently on strike, face an uncertain future as their contracts expire in May 2026. While Sh4 billion has been allocated for stipends, workers require Sh5 billion for gratuity and Sh3.8 billion for permanent employment conversion.

A bitter dispute has emerged between national and county governments over responsibility for these workers. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale declared the national government had no funds for permanent employment, insisting governors must take responsibility by July 1, 2025.