The Kenyan Ministry of Health is pursuing a budget allocation of Sh140 million in the 2025/26 financial year to develop a centralized digital database for HIV care. This move is part of a broader effort to modernize Kenya’s healthcare system by integrating HIV-related health records into the country’s digital health superhighway. The ministry believes that such a system will enhance service delivery, improve data accessibility, and ensure continuity of care, particularly as Kenya faces uncertainties regarding international donor funding.
The digitization of HIV care aims to create a seamless platform where healthcare providers can securely access patient records from any location. With growing concerns over the sustainability of HIV programs due to declining donor contributions, the government sees digital integration as a step towards ensuring self-reliance in healthcare. Officials argue that the ability to collect, analyze, and act upon real-time data will improve patient outcomes while also streamlining the management of HIV-related health services across the country.
Beyond the Sh140 million required for digital transformation, the Ministry of Health is seeking an urgent budget review to secure Sh5 billion in the next three months and an additional Sh13 billion in the next financial year. These funds are intended to sustain Kenya’s HIV mitigation programs following the abrupt suspension of USAID funding. The freeze in financial aid has had a significant impact, with over 35,000 jobs lost and 150 health facilities shutting down across the country. The financial shortfall now stands at approximately Sh30 billion, prompting the government to explore alternative funding avenues.
Health officials have expressed concerns over the immediate and long-term consequences of the funding cuts, particularly in maintaining the supply of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and other essential medical resources. National Assembly Health Committee Chairman James Nyikal acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that the government is under pressure to identify viable solutions to bridge the funding gap.
The sudden freeze on USAID support follows a series of policy decisions made by the administration of former US President Donald Trump. Since the executive orders were issued, the Kenyan government has been scrambling to ensure that vital healthcare services remain operational. While the funding crisis presents a formidable challenge, some policymakers view it as an opportunity for Kenya to develop a more sustainable healthcare financing model. Economic Advisor to President William Ruto, Moses Kuria, suggested that the situation should serve as a wake-up call for Kenya to take greater responsibility for its essential services rather than relying on foreign aid.
Efforts to secure alternative funding are ongoing, with policymakers considering reallocation of resources within the national budget. Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga proposed diverting funds from infrastructure projects to the health sector, emphasizing that healthcare must take priority. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is pushing for the inclusion of HIV, TB, and malaria treatment within the Social Health Authority (SHA) benefits package. However, concerns have been raised over the efficiency of SHA, with some leaders questioning its current structure and effectiveness in managing healthcare services.
The National Treasury has also come under scrutiny for failing to attend crucial discussions on health sector financing, despite its central role in resource allocation. Kenya’s HIV response has historically relied heavily on donor support, with external funding sources covering approximately 63.5% of the country’s HIV program costs between 2021 and 2022. The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) alone contributed 37% of the funds required to sustain Kenya’s HIV response during that period.
The current funding uncertainties have underscored the urgent need for Kenya to increase domestic investment in healthcare. While the government has made efforts in recent years to allocate resources for HIV programs, the reliance on donor contributions remains a critical issue. In the 2024 financial year, the National AIDS Control Council was allocated Sh971.95 million, while the National AIDS Control Programme received Sh144.75 million. Additionally, a Global Fund grant provided Sh4.03 billion towards Kenya’s national HIV response.
To ensure the sustainability of HIV care services, the Ministry of Health is advocating for greater investment in digital infrastructure. By integrating HIV data into Kenya’s broader health information management system, the government hopes to create a more resilient and efficient healthcare framework. This shift is expected to not only improve service delivery but also reduce dependency on external donors, ultimately strengthening the country’s ability to manage HIV care in the long term.
As Kenya navigates this complex healthcare challenge, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions that will guarantee uninterrupted access to life-saving treatments. The digitization of HIV care is seen as a crucial step in modernizing healthcare services and securing a future where all Kenyans can receive the medical attention they need without reliance on unpredictable donor funding.
