Aasai

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called on Kenyans to register for the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the Social Health Authority (SHA), warning that critics of the program are fraudsters. Speaking during a fundraiser at Harhosa Mixed Day Secondary School in Marsabit County, Duale said SHA offers affordable healthcare for all citizens, unlike the old National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) that mainly benefited employed individuals.

Duale revealed that some private hospitals, especially in Moyale, falsely claimed to offer services while illegally profiting from the now-defunct NHIF. He urged residents of Marsabit, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo, and Tana River to embrace the new program, noting that enrollment numbers in these counties remain worryingly low.

His remarks come just a week after he raised concerns over fraudulent billing practices targeting SHA. Appearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Duale disclosed that investigations are underway against health facilities and doctors suspected of making fake claims, warning that guilty institutions will be blacklisted.

Despite acknowledging some operational challenges, Duale stressed that dishonest healthcare providers are undermining the program’s success. Leaders across the country are pushing for more enrollments as Kenya continues to battle healthcare hurdles such as staffing shortages, funding gaps, and rising demand for quality services under SHA.