The President insisted that the Sh323 billion agreement is strictly designed to strengthen Kenya’s medical systems and expand access to healthcare, not to compromise national data security.
Speaking during an address to health stakeholders on Friday, Ruto criticized what he described as “misleading rumours” circulating on social platforms and in some political circles.
He emphasized that no clause in the deal grants the US government or any foreign entity authority to access, store, or manage private information belonging to Kenyan citizens.
According to the President, the agreement focuses on collaborative investments aimed at modernizing health infrastructure, improving disease surveillance, increasing the supply of essential medical commodities, and supporting local manufacturing of vaccines and pharmaceuticals.
Ruto argued that portraying the initiative as a data-sharing pact was an attempt to derail a transformative programme intended to benefit millions of Kenyans.
“The government of Kenya has not, and will not, surrender citizens’ data to any foreign government,” Ruto stated.
“This partnership is about strengthening our health system, building capacity, and ensuring that every Kenyan enjoys quality, healthcare.”
Government officials echoed the President’s remarks, clarifying that all national data systems remain under Kenya’s control and are governed by the Data Protection Act.
They added that the US-Kenya health framework follows strict protocols on privacy, cybersecurity, and information governance.
Despite the clarifications, the allegations sparked public debate, with critics urging greater transparency on how foreign-funded health programmes interact with national digital systems.
Civil society groups have called for the full publication of the agreement to reassure citizens and quash speculation.
The government, however, insists that the partnership is a major milestone in its strategy to expand universal healthcare coverage, boost local capacity in medical research, and reduce dependency on imported health technologies.
Ruto reiterated that protecting Kenyans’ personal information remains a top priority.
“As we welcome global partnerships, our sovereignty and data security are non-negotiable,” he said.
“No development agenda will compromise the rights of our people.”