The fears emerged after whistleblower Nelson Amenya alleged that the deal would grant the U.S. government direct access to Kenya’s national health databases.
According to Amenya, the arrangement could expose sensitive patient records, including HIV status, TB treatment information, and vaccination history.
However, Duale strongly refuted the allegations, stressing that Kenya’s health data remains fully protected under national law.
Speaking on Thursday evening, the CS said health information is considered a national strategic asset and cannot be shared without clear legal approval.
He explained that every data-sharing process—whether local or international—must be reviewed by the Digital Health Authority (DHA) and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.
These agencies determine what information can be shared, the level of access, and the safeguards to be applied.
Duale clarified that the new framework with the United States does not allow foreign access to personal medical records.
Instead, only anonymized and aggregated data may be shared, and even then, it must comply with Kenyan laws.
“Under this agreement, Kenyan laws remain fully in charge,” Duale said.
“All health-related data sharing must go through the DHA and the Data Commissioner. No individual records are accessible to any foreign government.”
He added that the Digital Health Act and the Data Protection Act strictly regulate how health data is stored, protected, and shared.
According to him, none of these laws have been suspended or overridden by the new partnership.
The CS’s reassurance came just hours after President William Ruto witnessed the signing of the five-year Ksh200 billion health investment plan between the two nations.
The agreement focuses on strengthening Kenya’s disease control capacity and transforming its health system into a self-reliant model by 2030.
Under the deal, Kenya and the U.S. will jointly manage programs aimed at eliminating HIV, TB, and malaria, while also boosting outbreak response and public health preparedness.
The funding will also support health service reforms, digital systems, and improved access to medical supplies.
Other leaders present at the signing included Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and U.S. Secretary of State Marc Rubio.
Officials from both sides expressed confidence that the partnership will help Kenya advance towards universal health coverage.
Duale urged Kenyans not to be misled by speculations, insisting that the agreement does not compromise the privacy of citizens.
He said the Ministry will continue to communicate facts to avoid confusion and to ensure transparency as the program rolls out.
The health partnership is one of the largest bilateral investments Kenya has received in recent years, and the government says it will accelerate the country’s progress toward a stronger and more resilient health system.
