World’s richest investor Warren Buffett backs Kenya with $59 million over two years

World’s richest investor Warren Buffett, through his charitable vehicle, the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, has committed Ksh3.8 billion ($29.5 million) to Kenya’s health sector for the second year running, according to budget documents released by Kenya’s National Treasury ahead of the fiscal year beginning July 2026.

The latest pledge brings the foundation’s total support to Ksh7.6 billion ($59 million) over two years. It follows an earlier Ksh3.8 billion ($29.5 million) contribution made last year, as Kenya and other countries in the region adjusted to sharp reductions in United States foreign aid. The cuts, linked to policy changes under former U.S. President Donald Trump, have left gaps in funding that governments and private donors are now trying to manage.

The grant to Kenya’s State Department of Medical Services ranks third among expected external inflows in the coming fiscal year. The World Bank leads with Ksh12.37 billion ($96 million), followed by the Global Fund at Ksh4.4 billion ($34.1 million). Other contributors include the Green Climate Fund at Ksh950 million ($7.4 million), the European Development Fund and European Economic Community at Ksh840 million ($6.6 million), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development at Ksh540 million ($4.2 million). 

Kenya projects $190 million grants FY2027

Overall, Kenya expects Ksh24.47 billion ($190 million) in external grants in FY2026/2027. The Treasury data shows Buffett’s contribution equals about 18.1 percent of the State Department for Medical Services’ project budget of Ksh20.93 billion. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, will also provide Ksh2.6 billion ($20.2 million) in separate support.

The sharpest pressure point has been the reduction in USAID funding, which once delivered Ksh32.4 billion ($251.3 million) annually to Kenyan programs. For the coming year, direct support to the health department has dropped to Ksh231.56 million ($1.8 million), with most remaining assistance routed through non-governmental groups instead of government systems.

Officials say the funding gap widened after January 20, 2025, when Trump signed orders halting most USAID programs on his first day back in office, directing a review that led to broad cuts. Kenya’s Treasury estimated the disruption would create a Ksh52 billion ($403.3 million) shortfall in the 2024/2025 fiscal year.

Health services were among the most affected. USAID had long supported HIV treatment, vaccines, and maternal care programs. When funding paused, shortages of essential medicines began appearing within weeks, according to government briefings. Authorities estimate that replacing lost U.S. support would require Ksh24.9 billion ($193.1 million), including an urgent Ksh2 billion ($15.5 million) needed to stabilize supply chains.

Buffett grant partially eases pressure

The Buffett foundation’s latest grant covers only part of that need, but officials say it has helped slow the pressure on critical services. Combined with support from the World Bank and Global Fund, external assistance continues to fall short of previous U.S. funding levels.

Buffett, known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” is among the world’s most followed investors. He has pledged to give away more than 99 percent of his wealth and has already donated about $65 billion through various foundations. His net worth is estimated at $138.2 billion, according to Forbes, placing him among the world’s wealthiest individuals.

Now 95, Buffett has begun stepping back from leadership at Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate he built over six decades. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named after his late wife and led by his daughter Susie Buffett, focuses largely on reproductive health and education initiatives. It has also expanded its global health work in recent years, including operations based in Kigali, Rwanda.