Health CS Aden Duale has responded to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s warning that the Social Health Authority (SHA) could collapse within six months.

Duale defended the government’s achievements in healthcare while urging Gachagua to address personal family issues before lecturing on accountability.

Taking to X, after speaking at a Waqf empowerment event hosted by Wajir South MP Mohammed Adow on Sunday, March 29, 2026, Duale praised the initiative supporting the Al-Nibras Foundation’s Madrasas in Wajir South and beyond.

The event aims to mobilise resources for land purchase and construction of a permanent Waqf project in Nairobi’s South C, strengthening religious education institutions under the foundation.

“In my remarks, I encouraged leaders to emulate Hon. Adow’s efforts in advancing and sustaining religious learning through such initiatives,” Duale said.

On the political front, Duale took aim at Gachagua, calling on him to uphold personal integrity. He specifically mentioned claims that Gachagua had disinherited the widow and children of his late brother.

“Before purporting to lecture others on accountability, particularly regarding the Social Health Authority, I urge former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to address longstanding family concerns,” Duale said.

Duale highlighted the progress SHA has made under the current administration. He said over Ksh19 billion has been disbursed for primary healthcare (PHC) in the past 19 months, a tenfold increase from previous administrations.

SHA expands healthcare access

Additionally, Ksh121 billion has been paid out, nearly double the levels of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), while over 30 million Kenyans are now registered and accessing primary healthcare, compared to just 3 million under NHIF.

“These gains affirm the steady progress being made toward Universal Health Coverage. The improvements in SHA show that the system is not collapsing but expanding access to millions of Kenyans,” Duale said.

Gachagua had warned that hospitals, especially faith-based ones, face a financial crisis, with KSh 90 billion owed. He urged institutions to demand payment before providing further services.

Duale, however, said Gachagua’s claims ignore the SHA’s achievements. He emphasised that the health authority has increased funding, improved registration, and ensured that primary healthcare reaches far more Kenyans than ever before.