The United States and Kenya officially formalized a significant $2.5 billion health aid agreement on December 4, 2025, during a signing ceremony at the State Department in Washington, D.C. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi participated in the event, though Kenyan President William Ruto ultimately oversaw the eventual signing. This landmark bilateral agreement marks a pivotal shift in US foreign assistance, being the first such deal since President Donald Trump's administration dismantled the historic US aid agency and redirected focus away from traditional non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Under the terms of the agreement, the United States is committed to providing $1.6 billion to Kenya over five years, specifically targeting critical health issues such as combating HIV/AIDS and malaria, and preventing polio. Kenya, demonstrating its increasing responsibility and partnership, will contribute an additional $850 million, with a mutual understanding to gradually assume more ownership and financial burden. Secretary Rubio lauded President Ruto for Kenya's consistent partnership and its significant assistance in troubled Haiti, stating that a few more countries exhibiting similar commitment would constitute an extraordinary global achievement.

This new health framework aligns with the Trump administration's broader