Since its launch, SHA has been touted as a transformative initiative aimed at achieving universal healthcare coverage in Kenya. The agency has successfully onboarded millions of Kenyans, promising streamlined access to medical services.
However, its rapid expansion has been overshadowed by concerns over financial mismanagement, system failures, and fraudulent activities.
Recent reports indicate that SHA has collected over Sh20 billion, with Sh2.6 billion disbursed to healthcare providers. Despite these figures, complaints from patients and healthcare facilities suggest that funds are not reaching intended beneficiaries efficiently.
Patients have stormed Afya House in protest, citing delays in accessing medical services due to SHA system failures.
Some claim that despite paying required fees, they have been denied treatment because the system fails to process approvals. Others allege that funds are being deducted without corresponding services being rendered.
The Ministry of Health has also been battling long-standing corruption scandals, including the infamous Sh5 billion Afya House scandal, where funds meant for free maternity services were allegedly siphoned through fraudulent transactions.
SHA Chief Executive Officer Robert Ingasira has defended the agency, stating that efforts are underway to streamline operations and enhance transparency. He emphasized that SHA is working with commercial banks to ease financing and ensure timely disbursement of funds to healthcare providers.
Meanwhile, lawmakers and civil society groups are calling for independent audits to assess SHA’s financial integrity and ensure that funds are used for their intended purpose.
As SHA continues to expand, the Ministry of Health faces mounting pressure to address fraud allegations, improve system efficiency, and restore public confidence in the program.
For now, millions of Kenyans enrolled in SHA are left hoping that the system will deliver on its promise of accessible and affordable healthcare without falling prey to corruption.
Source: [Nation] (https://nation.africa/kenya/news/afya-house-battles-fraud-as-sha-registers-21-4m-in-six-months-5005966#story)
