The Ministry of Health is pushing for a budget review to secure at least Sh5 billion over the next three months and an additional Sh13 billion in the next financial year.

The funding is necessary to sustain the HIV support program following the USAID funding freeze.

The funding cut implemented by US President Donald Trump’s administration is forcing countries like Kenya to seek alternative budget resources. After the withdrawal of USAID funding, the government faces a deficit of Sh30 billion to keep key health programs running.

Nearly two months ago, Trump signed a series of executive orders, one of which was to freeze USAID funding. The impact of these orders has spread across countries that relied on this aid to sustain Vital health programs.

“We are looking for Sh30 billion, and the money’s not there…” National Assembly Health Committee Chairman Dr. James Nyikal said.

“I am persuaded that this is the best thing to have happened to our country. How long were we expecting others to fund our essential services?” added President Ruto’s Economic Advisor Moses Kuria.

The government is on the lookout to fill the Sh30.9 billion deficit in the health budget and immediately find solutions to bridge the gap

“We have not even touched on blood, nutrition, family planning…” Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth stated.

Both county and national governments are turning to the National Assembly for solutions, but before any new funds are allocated, they will have to manage with the existing budget.

“The second call to action is for MPs to increase allocations to the health sector, particularly for HIV and other programs that were supported. We must prioritize financing for HR and commodities,” said Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga on his part said: “We can move some money from roads to health. I know it will not give us votes, but health is important.”

To promote long-term sustainability in health financing, a high-level meeting outlined several key measures which include reorganizing the existing health workforce, supporting HIV services, boosting local manufacturing of medical supplies, and integrating HIV, TB, and malaria treatment into the SHA benefits package.

However, before these plans are implemented, concerns have already surfaced about whether SHA is functioning as intended.

“SHA is not working. I will tell Waziri… Call us so that we can tell you what is not working, or else you start working on what we term as an exit speech,” Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo noted.