Health CS Aden Duale has fired back at critics who have claimed that the Social Health Authority is not working.
This follows resignation calls by a section of members of parliament over controversy surrounding SHA operations and delays in payments to hospitals.
The CS was responding to allegations that SHA is not working and that it has been politicized.
“My academic papers are within the precinct of Parliament (Hansard and committee reports) and submitted to the vetting committee of the National Assembly twice,” he said.
“Discuss substance not personalities. I will always have respect for Parliament and its leadership. My focus is on Health reforms. Period.”
On August 26, 2025, SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi announced the suspension of several health facilities from the national scheme due to suspected irregularities.
The suspensions, published in an official gazette notice, affect hospitals across multiple counties.
On September 1, SHA and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) handed over 1,188 files to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for investigation.
Duale claimed the files contain evidence targeting fraudulent and non-compliant healthcare facilities and individuals.
“This action targets fraudulent and non-compliant healthcare facilities and individuals, marking a critical milestone in the ongoing effort to protect public funds and safeguard the integrity of Kenya's healthcare system,” Duale said.
The CS said the files submitted to the DCI contain detailed evidence to support prosecution.
On Friday, Private hospitals issued a 14-day go-slow notice to SHA and the Ministry of Health over what they describe as unpaid claims amounting to Sh76 billion under SHA and the defunct NHIF.
Through their umbrella body, the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RHUPHA-Kenya), the facilities indicated that hospitals are owed Sh33 billion under NHIF and Sh43 billion under SHA.
According to RHUPHA, the bulk of NHIF debts are linked to public and mission hospitals, including Sh15.2 billion concerning 83 major facilities. The remainder is spread across 2,600 smaller hospitals.
The association noted that among the 83 are 23 public institutions which, it said, account for 10 per cent of the NHIF debt.
RHUPHA gave SHA 14 days to clear NHIF liabilities in line with a presidential directive issued on March 5.
It is also called for the settlement of at least 50 per cent of the Sh43 billion under SHA and the creation of a clarification mechanism on the SHA portal to allow resubmission of valid but earlier rejected claims.
