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Duale vows to clear 92 per cent of NHIF debts

The CS said claims currently under legal dispute will not be cleared until their validity is established

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by FELIX KIPKEMOI

News10 July 2025 - 20:30
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In Summary


  • “The only way to resolve these cases is through the legal system. If you want us to conclude this matter, withdraw the case from court,” Duale added.
  • He stressed that the government is determined to reform the health financing sector and promote practices that safeguard public resources.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale/ADEN DUALE/X

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reassured the country that the government remains committed to clearing the majority of pending payments owed by the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Speaking during a TV interview on Wednesday, Duale said the outstanding NHIF payments, ranging between Sh1 million and Sh10 million and accounting for 92 per cent of the debts, will be settled.

“For the remaining 8 per cent, parties who went to court will not pressure me into authorising unverified pending bills,” he said.

The CS noted that claims currently under legal dispute will not be cleared until their validity is established through proper verification processes.

“The only way to resolve these cases is through the legal system. If you want us to conclude this matter, withdraw the case from court,” Duale added.

He stressed that the government is determined to reform the health financing sector and promote practices that safeguard public resources.

In March 2025, Duale established the NHIF Pending Medical Claims Verification Committee, chaired by James Masiro Ojee.

The committee was mandated to audit claims submitted between July 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024, with the goal of identifying legitimate payments and addressing any irregularities.

“I expressed confidence in the committee and tasked them to scrutinise the outstanding claims thoroughly. Only genuine claims should be recommended for payment within a strict 90-day timeline,” Duale said.

He acknowledged the financial challenges faced by some healthcare providers and emphasised the importance of ensuring value for money, transparency, and accountability in healthcare service delivery.

Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to restoring public trust and strengthening accountability in health sector financing.

However, the High Court later issued an injunction halting the taskforce’s activities, citing concerns that its mandate might overlap with the constitutional functions of the Auditor-General and lacked statutory backing.

Earlier, President William Ruto had directed that all claims of Sh10 million and below be paid in full, covering about 91 per cent of NHIF-affiliated facilities.

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