Why Some Kenyan Leaders Could Lose Their U.S. Visas
Kenya is one of the countries involved in the deal...
✨ Key Highlights
The United States is set to impose visa restrictions on several African leaders, including potentially those in Kenya, due to their involvement with Cuban medical missions. The US government views Cuba's program as a "coerced forced labour export scheme."
- The Kenyan government, under then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, benefited from the Cuban doctors' program, introduced in 2018 and terminated in 2023 after six years.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the sanctions target "African, Cuban, and Grenadian government officials" complicit in the program.
- The US alleges Cuba's medical mission scheme involves "medical professionals 'rented' by other countries at high prices" with most revenue kept by Cuban authorities, enriching Cuba's political elite.
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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.
