The sudden suspension of USAID funding has thrown Kenya’s health sector into turmoil. Over 35,000 health workers have lost their jobs, more than 150 clinics have closed, and approximately 72,000 HIV patients can no longer access life-saving drugs. The crisis erupted when the U.S. government issued a 90-day stop-work order, sending shockwaves throughout the sector.
Speaking during a press conference at Ngong Hills Hotel, Civil society groups highlighted that the funding lapse has deprived peer educators, outreach workers, doctors, nurses, and community health workers of their salaries. “Many essential health services have stalled, leaving communities vulnerable. The closures of clinics have worsened the situation, rendering health care nearly inaccessible to thousands of people in need.”
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“Patients who depend on antiretroviral therapy now face the risk of interrupted treatment. The closure of drop-in centers and HIV prevention programs for adolescent girls and young women further compounds the issue. This situation puts decades of progress against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria at risk, threatening the country’s long-term health stability,” stated their statement.
Civil society groups urged the government to act quickly. They called for rapid response initiatives, increased budget allocations, and a clear plan to address the crisis. Additionally, they emphasized the need for officials to ensure transparency and proactive communication to reassure affected communities.
“The funding freeze poses a significant challenge that tests Kenya’s capacity to safeguard its health system. With thousands of lives on the line, officials must take urgent action to restore stability and ensure the uninterrupted provision of vital services,” their statement read.
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