Civil society organizations are raising alarm over Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah’s court challenge to the Kenya–US Bilateral Cooperation Framework, which provides critical funding for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria programs in Kenya.
Members of the National Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya (NEPHAK) are demanding that Omtatah withdraw the case, warning that his action threatens access to vital support for the more than 1.4 million Kenyans living with HIV.
Peaceful Demonstration in Nairobi
On Friday, hundreds of Kenyans held a peaceful protest in Nairobi to express their frustration. Youths, women, men, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities marched from Jeevanjee Gardens in the city center to the Supreme Court and National Assembly, carrying banners and placards highlighting their message.
Although both institutions were not in session, the demonstrators pledged to mobilize nationwide protests until the case is withdrawn.
Protesters warned that blocking the funding could undermine the progress made in combating these three major diseases.
Voices From the Protest
“Today, we are here as NEPHAK members to raise our grievances because of what’s happening in our country. We believe that the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria matter,” said Edith Nyambura, one of the demonstrators.
“When we hear that Omtatah has moved to court to stop the funding which has been helping people living with these diseases, we believe our lives are in crisis,” she added.
Nyambura highlighted that continued support has been critical to keeping over 1.4 million Kenyans living with HIV healthy.
Benard Baridi warned that protests would expand nationwide, beginning in Busia County, Omtatah’s home region.
“We are asking Omtatah to withdraw the case, whose hearing is slated for January 19, because Kenya has long relied on external partners for HIV medication,” Baridi stated.
He added that halting the funding could disrupt access to antiretroviral drugs, condoms, and treatment, potentially leading to advanced AIDS cases.
Anne Okaro, national chairperson of the Kenya Network of HIV Positive Teachers, said Busia County is among the hardest hit by HIV, TB, and malaria. She noted that more than 650 young people infected with HIV and daily cases of early teenage pregnancies could be affected if funding is halted.
Civil Society Perspective
NEPHAK director Nelson Otuoma, who represented civil society on the Kenya–US Health Negotiation Bilateral Team, clarified that the agreement respects human rights and does not breach personal data, addressing concerns raised by critics.
Otuoma concluded that the framework is vital to ensuring continued care, treatment, and prevention programs for vulnerable populations and called on the government to protect the initiative.
The Kenya–US Bilateral Cooperation Framework is designed to strengthen Kenya’s health system, focusing on sustainability and reduced dependency on donors. The agreement commits both governments to collaborate on HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria programs, with the United States providing funding and technical support.
The framework supports HIV treatment and prevention, keeping more than 1.4 million Kenyans healthy and contributing to a 78% reduction in new infections. It also targets reduced malaria prevalence, an 86% TB treatment success rate, and stronger health systems through community health units and healthcare worker training.
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