Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
The meeting formed part of the 8th Speaker’s Roundtable (SRT) and sought to address persistent operational and financial challenges slowing down the rollout of Kenya’s new social health system.
The suspects, Peter Muriithi, Catherine Kinyua, Lilian Njeri, and Samuel Mbuthia were nabbed in Marimanti, Tharaka Nithi County, after fleecing their victim under the guise of SHA membership registration.
Robert Ingasira, who served as acting SHA CEO after the exit of Wachira until April this year, is facing charges including conspiracy to defraud, misappropriation of funds, and abuse of office.
Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, Duale said the shift was necessary to resolve structural and financial challenges that had limited the effectiveness of the free maternity program.
Sankei, a highly experienced auditor with more than 20 years in the field, brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. His career spans leadership positions in key organizations such as the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), and the Public Service Commission (PSC), giving him a unique perspective on both public and private sector operations. The appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process that began on July 29, 2025, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection.
According to Kinyua, SHA has disregarded both the President’s commitment and the law’s transitional clauses, leaving the majority of NHIF workers facing the threat of job loss.
The partnership, announced on Thursday, October 23, 2025, aims to deliver advanced ear surgeries and expand access to quality, affordable healthcare for patients across Western Kenya.
According to the Auditor General, the land has been tied up in a legal battle since 2011, with investigations handled by both the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). Despite the NHIF holding the original title documents, the case remains unresolved.
He highlighted SHA’s progress in reducing claims backlogs through strict verification, provider training, and strengthened digital systems.
According to Duale, the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2025 stipulate that all verifiable claims should be settled within 90 days from the date of submission.
The Health Cabinet Secretary appeared before the committee to respond to issues raised in a report on challenges faced by Kenyans in accessing services under the Social Health Authority (SHA).However, he declined to answer some questions, arguing that he had not been given sufficient time to review the documents.
Duale said the discussions on the Post-Retirement Medical Cover is designed to help public servants accumulate funds during their working years to meet healthcare costs in retirement.