The United States has assured Kenyans that no private or personally identifiable health information will be shared under the new Ksh200 billion health security agreement between Washington and Nairobi.
Speaking on Friday, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns said the data covered in the deal will only be aggregated, statistical information, stressing that the U.S. will not have access to individual patient records.
“The government of Kenya will continue to abide by its privacy laws,” Burns said during a press briefing at the U.S. Embassy in Gigiri. “We are simply putting on paper the policies we’ve followed for many years. Any data-sharing going forward will be aggregated.”
She explained that the information will involve broad health statistics such as the total number of people on antiretroviral therapy rather than names, identification details, or any data that could reveal a person’s identity.
The remarks come in the wake of allegations by Adani whistleblower Nelson Amenya, who claimed the agreement could expose sensitive Kenyan health data. The embassy’s clarification appears aimed at easing the public anxiety sparked by the claims.
Burns also revealed that a major portion of the American investment will go toward strengthening Kenya’s own digital health infrastructure, not creating a parallel system.
“The U.S. will provide funding to scale up Kenya’s electronic medical record systems and other health data systems,” she said. “This initiative is meant to support the government to manage its own system efficiently and advance Kenya’s sovereignty and self-reliance.”
She noted that the two countries had agreed on the levels of support expected from each side, with implementation details still being refined to ensure accountability and mutual commitment. The rollout of digital devices and systems, she added, will continue gradually to match Kenya’s EMR expansion plan.
Her comments echoed assurances made earlier by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who dismissed claims of a potential data breach and insisted that Kenya’s health information remains fully protected under national laws.
The government has maintained that the agreement will ultimately strengthen Kenya’s health surveillance, data security, and digital readiness without compromising patient privacy.
