LONDON, United Kingdom, July 3,-President William Ruto has today announced outstanding progress in Kenya’s healthcare reform, stating that the newly introduced Social Health Authority (SHA) has already served more than 4.9 million citizens in eight months.
This, he says, exceeds the performance of the discontinued National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Speaking during a meeting with Kenyans living and working in London, the United Kingdom, Dr Ruto defined the new health coverage system as ‘transformative’.
“Our Social Health Authority is functioning,” the president affirmed, adding that, “In just eight months, the transformative medical scheme has served over 4.9 million people—something the NHIF would not have achieved.”
Consequently, he also acknowledged the challenges being faced by the new medical scheme, particularly attempts by criminal elements to exploit it for their personal gain.
Dr Ruto further disclosed that more than some health facilities have been engaging in fraud, and investigations are still underway.
“We have already tracked and closed down over 1000 medical facilities found engaging in fraud, and more are on the way,” he stated.
The president, however, insisted that the integrity and effectiveness of the new health coverage system must remain paramount.
The Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, had also earlier warned Kenyans and all medical practitioners against the plots to defraud the SHA.
Duale stated that the fraudulent activities are being conducted by some healthcare facilities, workers and patients.
“We have noted a growing trend of fraudulent activities being conducted by some healthcare facilities, workers and even patients against the Social Health Authority Fund (SHA). These actions are illegal, unethical and are a direct betrayal of the trust placed in our health system,” Duale said.
Duale identified the fraudulent activities under the new healthcare system, which had transitioned from the National Health Authority (NHIF) in the year 2024.
