Judicial order stalls rollout of US-backed health programme

A judicial order issued on Thursday has stalled the rollout of a major US-backed health cooperation framework, citing concerns over potential breaches of citizens’ privacy. The case, brought by advocacy groups and a senator, argues that the agreement could result in inappropriate access to aggregated and individual health records. The conservatory orders mean planned programmes under the pact cannot proceed until the court makes a final ruling. Government officials maintain that the pact aims to strengthen Kenya’s health systems and will adhere to Kenyan laws; yet the ruling has added urgency to calls for independent oversight and robust safeguards before external partners engage with national health databases.