The recent Sh1.9 billion grant from China for hospital upgrades in Kenya is a timely boost, especially as the country grapples with the effects of the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the suspension of USAID programs.
Kenya remains one of the nations significantly affected by the suspension of USAID, which has disrupted key health and education programs. This situation underscores the need for collaboration with other development partners to bridge the funding gap.
On Thursday, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi signed the grant agreement with Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan. The funding will benefit several institutions, including Londiani Referral Hospital in Kericho County, Baringo County Referral Hospital, Kilifi Hospital, Misikhu Hospital in Bungoma, Bildad Kagia Hospital in Murang’a County, and Kaimosi Farmers Training College in Vihiga.
This grant comes shortly after CS Mbadi acknowledged that Kenya must increasingly rely on internal resources rather than external aid as it works to stabilize its finances following years of heavy domestic and external borrowing.
“Things are not easy—our fiscal space is shrinking, especially with the suspension of foreign aid from countries like the U.S., and we anticipate similar moves from the EU. This is a critical period for Kenya. We borrowed heavily in the past, and now those loans have matured,” Mbadi said.
For decades, foreign aid has played a central role in Africa’s relationship with Western nations, often accompanied by conditions favoring the donors. While Africa has depended on the West for trade, investment, and aid, this reliance has sometimes hindered real economic progress, forcing nations to conform to external political and economic agendas.
Now, Kenya and other African nations must seek global partnerships that foster self-reliance. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) presents an opportunity for sustainable development rather than depending on unpredictable Western aid.
The suspension of USAID funding and Washington’s withdrawal from WHO pose significant threats to health programs tackling diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria—initiatives previously supported by programs such as PEPFAR (The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). Without American backing, African nations must explore alternative partnerships to sustain these critical interventions.
China’s involvement in Africa has evolved beyond infrastructure projects to include economic and social development. At the 9th FOCAC Summit in September 2024, President Xi Jinping outlined ten key action plans covering trade, industrial cooperation, connectivity, health, agriculture, and security. If implemented effectively, these initiatives could help African economies, particularly in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through FOCAC and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has been a crucial partner in Africa’s infrastructure development, providing funding, expertise, and technology. This collaboration now extends to the health sector, offering an alternative as the U.S. scales back its involvement in WHO.
With Africa’s health systems already under strain, China’s continued support can help fill the void left by U.S. funding cuts. A nation’s economic prosperity is closely linked to the health of its people, and strong healthcare systems are essential for sustainable growth.
As Kenya seeks more development partners to address the budget deficit in healthcare, China has demonstrated its commitment to working with Kenya and other Global South nations affected by U.S. policy shifts.
China has been a longstanding partner in Kenya’s infrastructure development, and expanding this collaboration to healthcare and vocational training (TVETs) would be a strategic move. Strengthening ties with the world’s second-largest economy in these areas could provide much-needed funding, expertise, and medical equipment.
Unlike traditional Western donors, China offers development assistance with fewer political conditions. Its “request-based” financing model, particularly within the Global South, aligns with national priorities rather than imposing external mandates. This approach has made China a reliable and trusted development partner for many African nations.
Kenya’s growing cooperation with China in healthcare and beyond will be crucial in ensuring sustainable development, reducing dependence on conditional Western aid, and strengthening the country’s economic resilience.
The writer is a Journalist and Communication consultant