NAIROBI, Kenya — Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni wa Muchomba has mounted a robust defence of the Social Health Authority (SHA), insisting the healthcare scheme is operational and urging Kenyans to register, even as the agency faces scrutiny over suspected Sh11 billion fraudulent claims and widespread complaints about access to services.
In a statement addressed to residents of the Mt Kenya region, the MP accused political actors opposed to the Kenya Kwanza administration of misleading citizens into believing that SHA was not working.
She argued that such messaging had discouraged registration, leaving families vulnerable to high medical costs and frequent fundraising appeals.
“SHA is working. Screening for diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions is available. Primary healthcare is your right, whether you like President Ruto or not,” the MP said, framing healthcare access as a constitutional entitlement rather than a political bargaining tool.
Wa Muchomba also dismissed calls to wait for political change in 2027, describing them as deceptive and harmful.
She warned that delaying participation in existing systems would only hurt ordinary Kenyans in need of immediate medical care.
Her remarks come amid an ongoing national debate over the performance of SHA, which replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) as part of broader health financing reforms.
Watu wa Mlima , We were brainwashed that SHA is not working .We refused to register. Other parts of Kenya registered and has services paid for. You are left desperate for every opportunity to cater for your sickly with fundraisers daily. The Wantam brigaders have to keep lying
Fraud claims and official position
The SHA has been under pressure following revelations by the Ministry of Health that claims amounting to approximately Sh11.6 billion were flagged and rejected as suspected fraudulent submissions, largely during the transition from NHIF to the new system.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said the funds were not paid out, arguing that the detections demonstrate improved oversight and fraud-control mechanisms under SHA.
Authorities have since suspended several health facilities and launched investigations into suspected fraud schemes, including inflated and fictitious claims, as part of efforts to clean up the system.
Service delivery concerns persist
Despite government assurances, concerns remain over SHA’s implementation.
Hospitals and healthcare providers have repeatedly raised alarms over delayed reimbursements, with some facilities reporting financial distress as they wait for payments.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has also warned that many Kenyans continue to face barriers to accessing healthcare, citing gaps in awareness, registration challenges and uneven service delivery across regions, even after significant public investment in the scheme.
Patients in several counties have reported confusion over benefit entitlements, while some facilities have temporarily limited SHA services due to cash-flow constraints.
Political rhetoric vs policy reality
Wa Muchomba’s remarks highlight the growing politicisation of healthcare reform as the country moves toward the 2027 general election.
Supporters of the government argue that SHA is a long-term reform still being stabilised, while critics say operational failures risk excluding the very citizens it is meant to protect.
