Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale clashed with a Nation Media Group (NMG) reporter during a press briefing over delayed payments by the Social Health Authority (SHA) to private hospitals.

The tense exchange unfolded when NMG’s Leon Lidigu pressed the CS about a letter dated August 7, addressed to SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi, from Kenya Healthcare Federation Chair Kanyenje Gakombe, which raised concerns about delayed claims payments.

Clash

When Lidigu introduced the letter, Duale immediately interrupted, dismissing the reporter’s line of questioning. “We are not in possession of that letter. The person who wrote it has not informed us that he has given it to you, so let that person – if he has officially written – let him go to the CEO’s office, and we will do it,” said Duale.

He insisted that such concerns should be officially submitted to the SHA CEO’s office, stressing, “We don’t conduct our internal communication through press conferences. Next question.” Despite attempts to move on, Lidigu persisted, seeking clarity on the alleged nine-month delay in payments.

Duale hits back

Duale maintained that hospitals experiencing payment delays should engage directly with SHA or the Directorate of Health Administration (DHA). He criticised the use of media platforms to raise such issues, singling out Nation Media Group. “If that facility has not been paid, they should go and engage SHA and DHA directly. They will be given the right answer; if they are under investigation, if they are fraudulent, they will be told, “It is not for them to address us through Nation media,” he said.

Duale also noted that any hospital involved in fraudulent activities or investigations would be informed through the proper channels.

The CS further accused the media of sensationalising health issues, expressing concern over patients being featured in reports. “We have seen patients, and your media house, Nation Media, is bringing patients into your videos. Please, turn Nation Media into a health centre, and we will register you. We will give you SHA portal, and we will deal with your claims as Nation Media,” he challenged.

Suspension of 40 hospitals

This confrontation follows the official gazettment of 40 hospitals suspended from the SHA programme over fraudulent practices by CEO Mercy Mwangangi. The move followed a directive by CS Duale on August 8, 2025, to publish the names of suspended facilities in a Gazette Notice after investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The Ministry of Health has vowed to uphold strict oversight to safeguard the Social Health Authority programme and ensure public funds reach genuine healthcare providers.