U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has praised Kenya for playing a critical role in efforts to stabilize Haiti, saying the situation in the Caribbean nation would be far worse without Nairobi’s involvement.
Rubio delivered the remarks on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in Washington D.C. during a joint event with President William Ruto.
The two leaders also launched the first agreement under America’s revised global health strategy.
He noted that Kenya has carried a major share of responsibility in Haiti for almost two years, describing its role as central in preventing a complete collapse of order.
According to Rubio, Kenya’s deployment made it possible for the United States and its partners to move to the next phase of the mission setting up a specialized anti-gang security force.
Rubio called Kenya’s contribution exceptional and courageous and stressed that Haiti’s current condition would be unimaginable without Kenya’s commitment.
He expressed deep appreciation and said Kenya’s involvement made the planned transition to a gang suppression force possible.
He assured that Washington will support this transition and assist Kenya as the new security unit takes shape.
However, Rubio was clear that Kenya should not carry the burden alone. He urged countries around the world especially those in the Western Hemisphere, the Caribbean Basin, and South America to provide personnel, equipment, and financial help.
He criticized governments that issue statements about Haiti’s suffering but offer little practical support, saying meaningful progress could be made if even a few states contributed half of what Kenya has already committed.
Shift in U.S. Global Health Assistance
Rubio also announced major changes in how the United States delivers international health support. He noted that although Washington has invested heavily in global health, too much of the funding has been managed by American and international NGOs, which often build parallel systems and consume large administrative costs.
He said the U.S. will stop relying on NGOs to design and run foreign health programs. Instead, it will work directly with partner governments, arguing that third-party channels weaken local institutions and reduce the real impact of U.S. support.
Kenya became the first country to sign under the new model. Rubio said Kenya was chosen because of its long-standing partnership with the U.S. and its strong capacity to implement the new strategy.
Under the agreement, the U.S. will provide Ksh207.6 billion to Kenya’s health sector over the next five years, while Kenya will add Ksh110 billion.
The goal is to strengthen domestic health systems and help countries reduce their dependence on foreign aid. Rubio said Kenya could eventually serve as an example for others.
President Ruto, in his remarks, reflected on Kenya’s long relationship with the United States and noted that American support over the last 25 years has been vital in fighting malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis.
He linked the new agreement to his administration’s efforts to expand universal health coverage, improve hospital infrastructure, and strengthen medical supply chains.
He said Kenya is already mobilizing Ksh389.4 billion in domestic resources for health, including support for community health promoters nationwide. Ruto thanked President Donald Trump and the U.S. Government for their commitment and promised that Kenya would use the funds responsibly and transparently.
On Haiti, Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s ongoing engagement and support for the transition to the new anti-gang force. He echoed Rubio’s call for greater regional responsibility.
Ruto said, “Kenya will continue its presence in Haiti, using the experience gained over nearly two years to support the Gang Suppression Force.” He added, “I promised we would not abandon Haiti, and our progress there would not have been possible without the strong support and partnership of the United States.”
He also noted that Kenya will join U.S. officials at an upcoming meeting focused on stabilizing eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Washington event marked the first agreement under the United States’ updated “America First Global Health Strategy,” with U.S. officials describing Kenya as the ideal partner to launch the initiative.
