Thousands of Kenyan health workers have been affected by the suspension of U.S. funding for HIV/AIDS programs, following a recent executive order by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The funding freeze has disrupted donor-supported health initiatives, forcing employees across Nairobi, Kajiado, and Kisii counties to stop work.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) confirmed in a letter dated January 30, 2025, that all HIV/AIDS activities under the KCCB-ACTS initiative must immediately cease. Staff contracts, patient support, and administrative costs were suspended effective January 24, 2025. Dr. Moses Muriuki, program director, stressed that expenses incurred before the directive will still be honored, while all program vehicles remain grounded until further notice.
The suspension impacts thousands of medical personnel employed through the Catholic Church, and similar measures have been implemented at the University of Nairobi. Staff working under the USAID-funded Fahari Ya Jamii (FYJ) project have been placed on three-month unpaid leave as of February 1, 2025, pending further guidance from USAID. The FYJ program, funded through PEPFAR, provides HIV prevention, treatment, and other essential health services across Nairobi and Kajiado counties.
Despite the funding halt, key HIV services continue. These include antiretroviral (ARV) distribution, mother-to-child HIV prevention, viral load testing, tuberculosis preventive therapy, and HIV patient data management. USAID has issued a 90-day waiver to allow select PEPFAR-funded programs to maintain critical health services, though non-essential administrative activities remain suspended.
In Kisii County alone, over 500 health workers involved in HIV programs have been sent home. County Health Executive Committee Member Ronald Nyakweba assured residents that ARV stocks and testing kits remain sufficient, and treatment continuity will not be affected. “There is no need to panic. Patients will continue receiving their medication as scheduled,” he stated. County Director of Public Health Richard Onkware confirmed that affected workers will still receive their January salaries.
The funding suspension has raised concerns about job security, program sustainability, and service delivery in Kenya. Stakeholders hope ongoing negotiations between Kenyan authorities, USAID, and faith-based organizations will restore essential healthcare programs and protect vulnerable populations relying on these services.
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