The High Court has placed a temporary hold on the implementation of the recently signed Health Cooperation Framework between Kenya and the United States. The action marks the first major legal challenge to the multi-billion dollar deal that was signed on December 4.

The court order specifically suspended any further steps to consummate the agreement, “insofar as it provides for or facilitates the transfer, sharing or dissemination of medical, epidemiological or sensitive personal health data.”

The Consumers Federation of Kenya had filed a petition with the high court, raising concerns that the pact could expose Kenyans to data-privacy and sovereignty risks.

President William Ruto has dismissed statements that the pact would place Kenya at a disadvantage, saying the government had secured terms that ensure Kenyan data remains protected under domestic legislation.

Under the deal, responsibility for the procurement, warehousing, and distribution of laboratory commodities valued at an agreed threshold will be gradually transferred from U.S. systems to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) by December 31, 2026.