NAIROBI, Kenya – Sidian Bank has distanced itself from the ongoing allegations of mismanagement of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) contributions.
The lender in a statement, asserted that it acts solely as a facilitator of collections.
“Sidian Bank only facilitates collections, remitting directly to SHA accounts. We do not hold or manage SHA funds,” the statement said.
The statement follows growing public concern over fraudulent claims submitted by some hospitals under the SHIF programme, TaifaCare, which launched on October 1, 2024.
Media reports have fingered top SHA officials for using certain facilities to submit claims for services not rendered, with some hospitals allegedly owned by SHA officials receiving payments despite failing to meet the required criteria.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the Ministry has already rejected fraudulent claims totaling Sh10.5 billion since the programme’s rollout.
According to MOH, 45 more hospitals are under investigation for fraud, alongside unverified claims worth another Sh10.5 billion from various facilities nationwide.
Sidian Bank emphasized that it has no role in auditing or disbursing SHIF funds.
It maintained that its involvement is strictly limited to processing employer remittances to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The bank is one of six Central Bank of Kenya-licensed institutions alongside KCB, Co-operative, Equity, Absa, and DTB selected for SHIF collections following consultations with employers.
MOH says it has taken steps to tighten oversight of SHIF claims, including rejecting fraudulent payments and auditing implicated health facilities.
