The National Assembly’s Health Committee has launched a nationwide probe into the troubled Social Health Authority (SHA), amid mounting complaints of delayed claims, rejected payments, and suspected fraud that threaten to derail the government’s universal health coverage plan.
Led by Seme MP Dr. James Nyikal, the committee toured several health facilities in Homa Bay, including St. Elizabeth Swindon Hospital, Matata Nursing Hospital, the proposed Nyandiwa Health Centre, Rachuonyo Level 4 Hospital, and Nyandiwa Level 4 Hospital. The visits revealed a health system with potential but burdened by confusion and inefficiencies.
Nyikal said the transition from the defunct NHIF to SHA had created uncertainty for hospitals and patients, citing delays in claims processing, rejections, and lack of local SHA offices to handle follow-ups.
He dismissed reports that some non-operational facilities had received SHA funds, clarifying that a proposed Nyandiwa Health Centre had no account and investigations showed payments may have been made to another facility with a similar name in Suba South.
The committee assured Kenyans that SHA will eventually work as intended, but insisted on urgent reforms. Nyikal also supported Health CS Aden Duale’s move to forward implicated facilities to the DCI, warning that corruption in the health sector must not go unpunished.
Other MPs echoed the need for swift action:
Kisumu Central MP Dr. Joshua Oron urged decentralization of SHA operations to counties.
Lurambi MP Bishop Titus Khamala said fraudulent claims often involve collusion between patients and facilities, calling for a comprehensive crackdown.
Nandi County MP Cynthia Muge emphasized Parliament’s oversight role in safeguarding universal health coverage.
Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino stressed that NHIF is gone for good and SHA must work, warning that failure will push citizens to unsafe alternatives.
The committee pledged to continue its fact-finding mission across counties and compile a report to guide reforms, insisting that SHA must be transparent, decentralized, and responsive to Kenyans’ health needs.
