Nassir Fires Back at Critics as Court Halts Kenya–US Health Deal: Don’t Take Us Back

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has come out strongly to defend the Kenya–United States Health Cooperation Framework, warning that sustained opposition and ongoing court cases could cripple life-saving health programmes and threaten thousands of jobs across the sector.

Speaking during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Changamwe Grounds on Friday, Nassir, who chairs the Council of Governors Committee on Health, said the partnership represents a grant-based investment worth billions of shillings and plays a critical role in strengthening Kenya’s health system.

The governor’s remarks come a day after the High Court suspended implementation of the framework following a petition by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek), which raised concerns over data privacy and protection of sensitive health information.

Nassir criticised individuals and organisations challenging the agreement, accusing them of posturing while risking harm to ordinary Kenyans who rely on donor-supported services.

“I urge those people who pretend that they care for this country more than anyone else not to take us back,” he said, warning that reckless litigation could reverse years of progress.

He stressed that the Kenya–US framework supports disease surveillance, health worker training, laboratory systems, and access to essential medicines, particularly for vulnerable populations.

According to Nassir, these programmes directly benefit millions of Kenyans while sustaining thousands of doctors, nurses, laboratory technologists, and community health workers.

The governor argued that international cooperation, when properly structured and transparent, is indispensable for achieving Universal Health Coverage.

He noted that counties already operate under strict data protection laws and oversight mechanisms, insisting that privacy concerns should be addressed through dialogue rather than blanket suspension.

Nassir also cautioned that Kenya risks sending the wrong signal to development partners if legally binding frameworks are repeatedly disrupted.

Such uncertainty, he said, could discourage future investments in health, education, and social services.

While acknowledging the importance of safeguarding personal data, Nassir urged the courts and stakeholders to balance legal concerns with public interest.

He called for expedited resolution of the matter to prevent disruptions to ongoing programmes.

“As leaders, our responsibility is to protect lives, not score political points,” he said, adding that Kenya cannot afford.