President William Ruto has received a letter from the Global Fund seeking his assistance in raising funds to support health programs in Kenya. The international body urged him to use his global influence to help mobilize resources to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
The request comes just days after Ruto donated Ksh 20 million to Jesus Winner Church in Roysambu, despite a government directive against public officials making church contributions. The donation to the church sparked public debate, with many questioning Ruto’s priorities amid Kenya’s economic struggles.
Critics argued that while the government is calling for austerity measures, the president continues to give out large sums of money in religious gatherings. The timing of the Global Fund’s request has only intensified scrutiny, as Kenya remains heavily dependent on international funding to sustain critical health programs.
According to State House, the letter from the Global Fund was addressed to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. The organization acknowledged Ruto’s past role in global fundraising efforts, including his involvement in the Seventh Replenishment, which raised Ksh 2 trillion.
The Fund now hopes he will help secure funding for its upcoming Eighth Replenishment, especially after the U.S. slashed its support for USAID, a key donor to Kenya’s health sector. The funds aim to reduce HIV infections, improve TB treatment, and enhance malaria prevention efforts.
However, with foreign aid becoming uncertain, Kenya must explore alternative funding options to sustain its health programs. Ruto has yet to respond to the Global Fund’s appeal, but the situation raises concerns about how financial resources are being prioritized.
While churches continue to receive generous donations from the president, crucial sectors such as healthcare are relying on external assistance. The coming days will reveal whether Ruto shifts his focus to the pressing financial needs of Kenya’s health sector.
By Newsmedia