Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. Photo/Duale
By Daisy Okiring
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced the suspension of 40 health facilities accused of defrauding the Social Health Authority (SHA), in what is being described as a major crackdown on corruption in Kenya’s healthcare system.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, August 8, 2025, the CS said the suspensions take effect immediately, following investigations that uncovered fraudulent activities within the SHA system. He stated that the affected facilities would be barred from accessing SHA funds during the ongoing probe.
“We have suspended 40 health facilities found to be defrauding the SHA. These suspensions take effect immediately. They will not receive any SHA benefits during the investigation period, and we will surcharge them for the money lost,” Duale told reporters.
Nairobi facilities among those flagged
Among the health facilities named in Nairobi County are Vebeneza Medical Centre Tassia, Imara Healthcare Centre, ABM Specialised Hospital, Dolma Medical Centre, Lego Medical, St. Johns Hospital Ltd, Edris Premier Hospital Ltd, Bristol Park Hospital Fedha, and Selacare Health Services.
Duale also confirmed that 12 individual health professionals involved in the fraudulent activities have had their data removed from the SHA system. He said they would be handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for further action.“Any doctor or health official involved in defrauding SHA will be held responsible. We have also instructed regulatory bodies to cancel the licences of those implicated,” the CS said.
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Government warns healthcare fraud will not be tolerated
Duale echoed President William Ruto’s warning issued a day earlier during the launch of the National Equipment Service Project at State House, Nairobi. The President warned that all individuals attempting to exploit the SHA system would be tracked and prosecuted.
“If you are trying to game the system, beware: You are already on our radar. The system is flagging such attempts, and investigations are ongoing,” President Ruto said on August 7. “In due course, the outcomes will be made clear to all, and the fraudsters shall face the consequences of their criminal actions,” he added.The Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving healthcare providers.
The SHA system, a cornerstone of Kenya’s new universal health coverage framework, is designed to offer equitable access to care while streamlining accountability and transparency in healthcare financing.
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