Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has revealed that more than half of the health facilities shut down for defrauding the government’s national health insurance scheme are owned by members of the Muslim community.
Speaking about the ongoing crackdown on fraud within the health sector, Duale said that 55% of the 1,120 health facilities already closed for fraudulent activities linked to the Social Health Authority (SHA) are Muslim-owned.
The CS said that the fight against fraud is aimed at protecting public funds and ensuring that the country’s healthcare system serves Kenyans efficiently and transparently.
Over 1,120 Health Facilities Shut Down
According to Duale, investigations conducted by the Ministry of Health uncovered widespread abuse of the SHA system by some private health facilities that were allegedly making fraudulent claims.
The ministry has already taken action against 1,120 facilities across the country, suspending their operations after evidence linked them to fraudulent billing and irregular claims under the health insurance prorgram.
Duale noted that the government will not tolerate any misuse of public resources regardless of who is involved.
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He added that healthcare providers entrusted with public funds must uphold high ethical standards when handling government-backed medical schemes such as SHA.
“The funds under SHA belong to the people of Kenya, and they must be used strictly for the purpose of providing healthcare services,” Duale said.
Call for Ethical Handling of Public Funds
While highlighting the ownership of the affected facilities, Duale called for ethical responsibility among all healthcare providers, warning that religious or community affiliation should not shield anyone from accountability.
He urged all medical practitioners and health facility owners to comply with government regulations and maintain transparency when submitting claims under the SHA system.
The CS said that the ministry’s actions are not targeting any particular group but are part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of the healthcare system.
“Public funds must be handled with integrity and accountability,” he said, adding that fraudulent practices ultimately deny patients access to essential healthcare services.
More Health Facilities Set to Be Closed
Duale also revealed that the government is preparing to shut down additional facilities this week as investigations into fraudulent SHA claims continue.
The ministry is currently reviewing records and claims submitted by health facilities across the country to identify irregularities and prevent further losses.
Authorities say the crackdown is part of a wider effort to restore public confidence in the country’s health insurance reforms.
Government Intensifies SHA Reforms
The government introduced the Social Health Authority as part of sweeping reforms aimed at transforming healthcare financing and expanding access to medical services for all Kenyans.
However, officials say fraudulent claims and system abuse by some providers have threatened the sustainability of the program.
Duale said the ministry is strengthening monitoring systems, improving verification processes, and working with investigative agencies to identify and prosecute those involved in fraud.
The crackdown, he said, will continue until all loopholes within the system are sealed and accountability is restored.
“We are determined to protect the integrity of SHA and ensure that every shilling allocated to healthcare benefits the people it was intended for,” Duale stated.
