The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has launched an investigation following reports that the United States government allegedly took custody of Kenya critical health data.
Health data at risk
The probe aims to verify claims published by The Standard Group on March 27, which suggested that Kenya’s health sector is in crisis due to a lack of accurate data on key diseases.
According to The Standard Group, data on tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and immunization programs may now be inaccessible.
This follows the US government’s withdrawal of financial support for the systems maintaining this information.
Impact of US funding cuts
The report linked the issue to a decision by US President Donald Trump to cut Ksh140 million in funding.
Moreover, the funding was essential for sustaining Kenya’s health data infrastructure.
Without external support, Kenya may struggle to maintain and upgrade its health data systems.
Effects on HIV care and treatment
The publication further indicated that Kenya’s health system might fail to track HIV patients effectively.
Further making it difficult to ensure proper treatment, particularly for pregnant women who require preventive care for their newborns.
Official response
In a statement released on March 28, Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait confirmed that the ODPC is investigating the accuracy of these claims under the Data Protection Act, 2019.
“The ODPC has commenced investigations into the matter in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 2019, and attendant regulations to establish the veracity of the said allegations,” she stated.
US aid cuts and its impact
In January, President Trump signed an executive order suspending foreign aid for 90 days.
The move aimed to re-assess its alignment with US foreign policy.
As a result, disbursements from agencies like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) were halted.
Kenya, listed among the top ten nations affected by these cuts, now faces an urgent need to secure alternative funding sources for critical health programs.
