Kenyan High Court Suspends Gates Foundation’s Immunity
- Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenyan High Court has temporarily suspended the immunity and privileges previously granted to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, following a petition filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
The court’s decision means that, for now, the Foundation and its representatives will not enjoy diplomatic-style immunity in Kenya, pending a full hearing on the matter.
According to court documents, the suspension will remain in effect until judges determine whether the original grant of immunity under the Privileges and Immunities Act was legally justified.
Public Reaction
The ruling comes amid a broader wave of skepticism in parts of Africa toward international health agencies and vaccine programs.
Some community leaders and groups have voiced distrust toward organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Gates Foundation, citing historical grievances and concerns about public health transparency.
Others, including public health officials, have defended the role of these organizations in improving access to vaccines and disease prevention across the continent.
Next Steps
The Kenyan government has been given 21 days to provide formal justification for the immunity agreement and its subsequent withdrawal. The High Court will then set a date for a full hearing.
Legal analysts note that this case could set a precedent for how Kenya — and potentially other African nations — manage agreements with large international foundations and NGOs operating within their borders.
Regional Context
Similar debates over foreign influence and public health policy have emerged in several African countries. While some citizens express concern about external control in health matters, others highlight the benefits of international funding and expertise in tackling diseases such as malaria, polio, and tuberculosis.