The Ministry of Health has dismissed claims that the Social Health Authority (SHA) has removed from its website a list detailing payments made to hospitals.
In a statement posted on social media, the ministry described the reports as false, asserting that the information remains publicly accessible.
“Fact: The list of facilities paid is available at sha.go.ke/resources,” the ministry said, in response to articles published by local dailies alleging that SHA had taken down the data, making it difficult for the public to track hospital claims and payments.
SHA assured that it remains committed to transparency as it continues rolling out Universal Health Coverage. “The facility payment list has not been removed and is still accessible on our website.”
SHA maintained that the information being shared is incorrect. “SHA is committed to keeping Kenyans informed and will continue to provide timely updates.”
Investigative reports said some facilities classified as Level 4 hospitals—which are expected to offer comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services—lack basic infrastructure, including inpatient beds.
Adding to the controversy is the reported disabling of the Kenya Master Health Facility Registry (KMHFR), a critical public portal that contains essential data on health facilities across the country, including their locations, services, bed capacities, and regulatory status.
The move has sparked outrage among healthcare stakeholders, including the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA), which has accused the ministry of attempting to cover up inefficiencies and possible corruption.
“It is a public site, and by pulling it down, the ministry is going against the right to access information. It also shows a ministry that has no control over its own data,” said Dr. Brian Lishenga, RUPHA Chairperson.
Lishenga warned that the organisation may consider legal action and public protests if the KMHFR remains inaccessible.
“The registry revealed the ministry’s lack of oversight over its own regulators, including the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). Pulling it down means the ministry has lost confidence in its own regulatory bodies,” he added.
