The High Court has issued orders barring the government from implementing its recently signed health cooperation deal with the United States, pending the determination of a petition filed by the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK). The directive also halts any sharing or transfer of health-related data under the agreement.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye granted the conservatory orders after COFEK argued that the deal was signed without adequate public participation or parliamentary approval, and that it raises serious concerns over data privacy and compliance with the Data Protection Act.
In its petition, COFEK warned that sharing sensitive medical and epidemiological data with foreign entities could expose Kenyans to irreversible risks, especially if the information falls outside the control of local regulators. The group insists that the government must first demonstrate clear safeguards for all personal health records.
The court instructed the government to file its response by mid-January, setting the stage for further legal scrutiny of the agreement. The matter will next be mentioned in February 2026 to confirm compliance with the interim orders.
The ruling represents a major setback to the multibillion-shilling health partnership that officials have framed as a boost to disease prevention and health system strengthening. The government is now required to justify the legality and safety of the deal before it can proceed.
Tags: Donald Trump Editor's Pick Signstv Signstvkenya
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD