NAIROBI, Kenya – The Senate has launched an investigation into Murang’a County’s flagship medical insurance scheme, Kang’ata Care, following concerns over the management of Sh172 million paid to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu on Wednesday urged transparency and accountability in the handling of the funds, questioning how many households have actually benefited from the programme.
Speaking at the Busia County Assembly, Nyutu said the residents of Murang’a deserve full disclosure on how the health initiative—launched to cushion low-income families from medical expenses—is being implemented.
“The people of Murang’a deserve transparency on how these funds are being used. Kang’ata Care was launched to ease the burden of healthcare costs for poor households, but we must ensure that every shilling reaches the intended beneficiaries,” Nyutu said.
Kang’ata Care was rolled out in December 2022 by Governor Irungu Kang’ata to provide free healthcare services for 20,000 vulnerable households in the county’s public hospitals.
Under the arrangement, the county government committed an annual Sh170 million to the then-National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), which has since been replaced by the Social Health Authority.
The programme also involves Britam Insurance, offering inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and last expense benefits to registered families.
Senator Nyutu has demanded clarity on several aspects of the scheme, including the total number of enrolled households, the amount paid per household, and the status of last expense claims previously handled by NHIF.
He also questioned whether the insurance runs continuously or requires annual renewal, the county’s cost-sharing arrangements, and any age restrictions for beneficiaries.
“This is not about politics; it is about accountability and service delivery. The residents of Murang’a have placed their trust in this programme, and it is our duty to ensure that trust is not misplaced,” Nyutu said.
While commending the initiative for its potential to improve healthcare access, Nyutu warned that proper oversight was necessary to prevent misuse of funds.
“If managed well, Kang’ata Care could serve as a model for other counties across Kenya, but proper oversight and transparency are key to ensuring that such programmes truly serve the people,” he added.
The Senate Standing Committee on Health has now been tasked with investigating the matter and will present its findings to the House in due course.
