Black and white are often seen as simple, clear-cut opposites. Yet, perspective shapes what we consider black and what we consider white. This is not just a matter of physics or art but of how we interpret and respond to critical issues, such as the looming crisis in Kenya’s health sector.
The United States recently announced a freeze on aid to various countries, including Kenya. This decision is not just a political maneuver but a critical blow to Kenya’s healthcare system, which heavily relies on external funding. HIV/AIDS programs, malaria and TB management, essential drugs, diagnostic tests, and the salaries of many health workers are all sustained by American grants. The question is not whether each individual Kenyan can solve this issue it is about whether our society, and those entrusted with leading it, can see the crisis for what it truly is and act accordingly.
For years, Kenya’s health sector has been supported by donor funding, with the US being the largest contributor. Programs such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund have been instrumental in ensuring millions of Kenyans have access to life-saving treatments. When such support is withdrawn or reduced, it has real consequences:
- Disruptions in HIV/AIDS Treatment – Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) require continuous administration. Any delay in distribution could lead to drug resistance, increased transmission rates, and preventable deaths.
- Limited Access to Malaria and TB Treatment – The fight against infectious diseases depends on uninterrupted supply chains for medication and diagnostics. A pause in aid could mean a resurgence of diseases previously under control.
- Healthcare Workforce Crisis – Many Kenyan healthcare workers depend on donor-funded salaries and training programs. Without this support, there will be shortages in critical services, undermining the entire system.
The consequences of withdrawing donor funding will not be felt immediately but will unfold over time, much like the structural adjustment programs of the 1980s that eroded decades of health progress. Hospitals will struggle to maintain operations, patients will be turned away, and preventable deaths will rise.
Yet, despite this clear and present danger, there seems to be little urgency from policymakers. The anatomy of the eye allows us to see, but do we truly perceive the gravity of the situation? If our leaders are to act, they must first acknowledge the problem in its full complexity beyond black and white narratives.
Kenya must rethink its reliance on foreign aid and develop a sustainable health financing strategy. Some key steps include:
Increasing Domestic Health Financing – The government must allocate a larger share of its budget to health services, ensuring that critical programs do not collapse when external funding is reduced.
Expanding Public-Private Partnerships – Encouraging investment in healthcare infrastructure and insurance schemes can help reduce dependency on donor funds.
Advocating for Alternative Funding Sources – Engaging the African Union, regional bodies, and philanthropic organizations could provide additional resources for health programs.
Strengthening Accountability – Efficient resource management and transparency in fund utilization will help build confidence among both local and international stakeholders.
The withdrawal of US aid is a warning sign one that cannot be ignored. Kenya must act decisively to secure the future of its healthcare system. This is not a matter of simple contrasts, of black versus white. It is a matter of survival. If we fail to see the crisis for what it truly is, the consequences will be severe and long-lasting. The time to act is now.
