Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a stern warning to health facilities operating under the Social Health Authority, cautioning that any involvement in fraudulent activities will result in immediate contract termination.
Speaking at Bungoma County Referral Hospital, Duale said the government is intensifying oversight as part of broader reforms aimed at restoring integrity in Kenya healthcare financing system. He emphasized that facilities found culpable of malpractice will face swift and decisive action.
Duale revealed that several health facilities in the region are currently under investigation for suspected fraudulent claims and abuse of the system. He did not disclose specific names but underscored the government commitment to protecting public funds.
He said authorities will not hesitate to cancel contracts for facilities engaging in fraud, stressing that public resources must be safeguarded and accountability upheld across the sector.
Digital reforms and accountability push
The warning comes amid ongoing efforts to streamline operations within the Social Health Authority following its rollout as part of Kenya universal health coverage agenda. The reforms include stricter verification systems and enhanced digital monitoring tools designed to curb irregularities.
Central to these reforms is the adoption of digital platforms aimed at improving transparency and efficiency. Duale urged both healthcare providers and patients to embrace the Afya Yangu platform, a mobile based system that allows users to track their medical records and monitor healthcare spending in real time.
He described the application as a critical tool in empowering citizens and reducing opportunities for fraudulent claims by ensuring that patients have visibility over services rendered in their names.
According to the ministry, a total of 836,558 residents in Bungoma County have already registered under the programme. Authorities are now pushing for increased enrollment to ensure broader access to affordable healthcare services.
To support implementation at the grassroots level, Duale said 425 county liaison officers have been deployed across the country. These officers are tasked with assisting health facilities, addressing operational challenges and ensuring compliance with regulations.
The government, he said, remains committed to delivering equitable and quality healthcare services to all Kenyans in line with national development priorities.
During the visit, Duale also commissioned a new radiology unit and CT scan centre valued at KSh300 million at Bungoma County Referral Hospital. The equipment was acquired under the National Equipment Services Programme, a partnership between national and county governments aimed at enhancing diagnostic capacity in public hospitals.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka welcomed the development, noting that the upgraded facility will significantly reduce referral costs and waiting times for patients. He added that trained personnel are already in place to operate the equipment on a 24 hour basis.
The event was attended by Social Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi, Digital Health Agency representative Anthony Lenayara and other senior national and county officials.
