Duale flags 5 counties leading in SHA fraud
By Kenneth Mwenda, April 4, 2026Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has named five counties at the centre of widespread fraud in the Social Health Authority (SHA), as the government intensifies a nationwide crackdown on fake medical claims.
Speaking in Garissa on Saturday, April 4, 2026, Duale said Homa Bay, Bungoma, Mandera, Wajir and Kisii have recorded the highest number of suspicious claims, most linked to private health facilities.
“Already, five counties – Homa Bay, Bungoma, Mandera, Wajir and Kisii – have been flagged for suspicious medical claims, largely from privately owned facilities,” Duale said.
The warning comes as authorities move to shut down facilities and investigate fraudulent activity that has cost the public billions of shillings. Duale confirmed that at least 12 facilities have been closed since March 30, 2026, alone.
“Since March 30, 12 facilities have been shut down over alleged fraud, with 24 currently under forensic audit and 250 under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations,” he said.
He added that the crackdown has already led to court action.
“So far, 30 case files have been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and 18 facilities are in court. In total, over 1,000 facilities have been closed,” Duale stated.
Investigators believe some hospitals inflated claims or billed for services not offered in order to draw money from the SHA system. In some cases, facilities are suspected of working with insiders to process false claims.
Counties face fraud scrutiny
The counties flagged by Duale are now under increased scrutiny, with auditors focusing on patterns of abnormal billing and repeated claims. Authorities say the aim is to stop further losses and restore order in the system.
“And these are mainly private hospitals that SHA forensic auditors have flagged as facilities involved in serious fraud. We will protect public resources meant for the healthcare of our citizens,” Duale said.
The Health CS warned facility owners against relying on political connections to escape accountability.
“I want to tell the owners of these facilities that political interference will not help you. The law will take its course,” he said.
The crackdown follows reports that the SHA system lost billions of shillings through fraudulent claims. Some facilities forced unnecessary procedures or exaggerated treatment costs to increase payouts.
Despite the scale of the fraud, Duale defended the government’s response, saying detection systems are now working. He maintained that the ongoing closures and investigations show the ministry is taking firm action.
“Reaffirming my mandate to deliver Universal Health Coverage, I declare zero tolerance for the misuse of public health funds. We must safeguard every cent meant for the care of Kenyans,” he said.
However, the revelations have triggered political pressure. Some leaders have called for accountability at the top of the Ministry of Health following reports that up to Ksh11 billion was lost within months due to fraudulent claims.
Even so, Duale has rejected calls to resign, insisting that legal processes should determine responsibility.