US sanctions African officials over Cuba’s ‘enslaving’ doctor export scheme
The US Department of State accused the Cuban government of “renting out” its doctors to foreign governments under exploitative conditions, with most of the earnings channelled to Cuban authorities rather than the medics themselves. - Kenya breaking news | Kenya news today | C..
✨ Key Highlights
The United States has imposed visa restrictions on government officials from African nations, Cuba, and Grenada, including their family members, over their alleged involvement in Cuba's "coercive forced labour export scheme" involving medical professionals. The US Department of State accuses the Cuban government of exploiting its doctors by "renting" them out and diverting most of their earnings.
- Kenya formally ended its own medical exchange agreement with Cuba in October 2023.
- Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha confirmed Kenya would not renew the contract, which began in 2017, citing the capability of local doctors.
- The agreement had facilitated the deployment of 53 family physicians and 47 specialists from Cuba to Kenya.
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US Accuses Kenyan Forces of Killings and Sanctions Officials Over Cuban Doctor Program - August 2025
The United States has accused Kenyan security forces of numerous extrajudicial killings during 2024, particularly following the "Gen Z" protests against tax increases. The accusations are detailed in the US State Department's 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Separately, the US has imposed visa restrictions on government officials from several African nations, including potentially Kenya, for their involvement with Cuba's medical missions. The US government views Cuba's program as a "coerced forced labour export scheme." The State Department alleges the Cuban government exploits its doctors by diverting most of their earnings.
