The Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations has raised concern over the Ksh 1.26 billion already paid out by the Social Health Authority (SHA) for compensation of police officers injured in the line of duty, after discovering major discrepancies in records submitted by three key government agencies.
During Thursday’s sitting at Parliament Buildings, SHA, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSH) presented conflicting data on the number of officers compensated, claims pending, and payments reportedly processed.
Committee Chair Senator Lelegwe Ltumbesi directed the agencies to urgently reconcile their records, saying the inconsistencies cast doubt on the accuracy and accountability of the compensation process.
“We are asking SHA, NPSC and DOSH to meet and agree on one accurate list. The matter involves public funds and the welfare of our officers, so the figures must be clear and consistent,” Senator Lelegwe said.
SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi told the Committee that the Authority has so far paid 1,567 claims amounting to Ksh 1,269,723,694. She added that 432 claims were declined, 129 disputed, 95 pending, 155 under processing and **41 under further review.
However, NPSC and DOSH submitted figures that did not match SHA’s, with DOSH further indicating it had not received documentation confirming any payments, raising concerns about coordination and communication among the institutions.
Senators reaffirmed that police officers are considered to be on duty 24 hours a day, warning SHA against rejecting claims on grounds that an officer was “off duty.” They also emphasized that DOSH is the only legally recognized assessor, declaring any attempt to conduct parallel medical assessments unlawful.
Three petitioners representing injured officers welcomed the Committee’s intervention and urged for continued oversight until all claims are resolved fairly.
The Senate has summoned SHA, NPSC, DOSH and Jubilee Insurance for a follow-up meeting to review progress and ensure the full reconciliation of the Ksh 1.26 billion paid and all pending claims.
