Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale presided at the commissioning of a CT scan machine at Longisa County Referral Hospital, a milestone expected to significantly enhance diagnostic services and reduce costly referrals for patients in Bomet County and the wider South Rift region.
Speaking during the event, Duale said the government’s health reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA) were steadily transforming healthcare access, financing, and accountability nationwide, backed by strong enrollment and substantial payouts through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
“The Social Health Authority is no longer a proposal; it is working. Today, over 28.8 million Kenyans are registered under SHA, enjoying a comprehensive and reliable health cover,” Duale said.
SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Esther Mwangangi reported encouraging performance figures, noting that more than 8 million Kenyans have already accessed services at local health facilities under the new system.
“So far, Sh130 billion has been collected. Of this, Sh12 billion has been paid out to primary healthcare facilities, while SHIF payouts have exceeded Sh74 billion,” Dr. Mwagangi said, adding that the data demonstrates the system’s functionality and growing impact in benefiting Kenyans seeking medical services.
CS Duale further announced that from April 1, 139,000 police and prison officers, alongside their dependents, will officially begin benefiting from SHA coverage—an expansion aimed at strengthening inclusivity across public service.
The Health CS called on county governments and employers to ensure full enrollment of their staff into SHA, emphasizing that universal participation is critical to the sustainability of the fund.
“SHA enrollment is mandatory. Statutory deductions must be made at source. We will convene a meeting with stakeholders on this matter, particularly after UHC staff are converted to permanent and pensionable terms next year,” Duale stated.
CS Duale further issued a stern warning to health facilities engaging in fraudulent claims, directing all dispensaries to prominently display service charters to improve transparency and patient awareness.
The cabinet secretary officially unveiled the Bomet Health Centre Service Charter, setting the standard for the mandatory adoption of service charters across all public and private health facilities.
The charter outlines government-supported services, curbs overcharging, enhances transparency and protects patients’ rights, where the Health facilities are required to prominently display these charters, specifying services that are free or covered under SHA, fostering a culture of patient-centered, safe, and quality care.
Bomet Health Centre is the first facility in Kenya to receive the Green Label Service Charter, with nationwide rollout planned.
On SHA alleged false claims, the Duale said that the government is committed to rooting out any unscrupulous service providers who are hell-bent on stealing the public funds through fraudulent claims.
“We have suspended many health facilities from SHA with over 1,182 cases due to fraudulent claims, many of which are now under DCI investigations. No facility will be paid for services it has not provided if the charter is not clear,” he warned.
Bomet Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok reaffirmed the county’s commitment to collaborating with the national government to implement SHA, SHIF, and the broader health reforms.
“Our engagement with the national government has centered on health—SHA, SHIF, validation, and registration. Bomet County maintains a close and productive working relationship with the national government,” Governor Barchok said.
Responding to criticism of the new health system, the governor noted that many complaints arise from non-registration of potential beneficiaries and their dependants.
“Some individuals claim SHA is not working, but upon verification, they are not even registered,” he observed.
Through the Digital Health Agency, 831 digital health equipment units have been delivered and will be distributed to all health facilities across Bomet County, noting that the rollout will enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
The commissioning of the CT scan at Longisa Hospital is expected to strengthen diagnostic capacity, reduce patient costs, and markedly improve healthcare outcomes for residents of Bomet County and the surrounding region.
By Erick Ongeri & Nickson Terer
