Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns over the effectiveness of the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying Kenyans still rely on community fundraisers to settle hospital bills despite government assurances that the system is working.

Speaking during a church service in Gatanga, Murang’a County, on March 15, 2026, Gachagua addressed a gathering that included opposition figures Fred Matiang’i, Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua. The event brought together political leaders and congregants amid continued debate over the government’s healthcare reforms.

“Ruto na Duale wanasema SHA is working lakini katika kila kijiji Saturday na Sunday ni harambee ya pesa ya hospital bills,” Gachagua said.

His remarks pointed to concerns among some Kenyans that families are still mobilising community contributions to cover medical expenses that the health scheme was expected to reduce.

Gachagua slams SHA replacement

Gachagua has previously criticised the government’s healthcare reforms and broader economic agenda, urging President William Ruto to prioritise promises under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda before advancing ambitious comparisons with countries like Singapore.

Speaking during a church service at AIPCA Kiratina in Githunguri Constituency, Kiambu County, on January 4, 2026, Gachagua faulted the decision to replace the National Hospital Insurance Fund with the Social Health Authority.

“You came and found NHIF working, then you removed it and brought an animal called SHA. Remove that animal and restore NHIF before you tell us about Singapore matters,” he said.

He also accused the president of failing to deliver on key pledges made to voters. “It is true you are mistaking us for fools because you cheated us. It is true you deceived us. What you don’t know is that we have woken up, we know you, and we are watching you carefully. Don’t tell us that Singapore nonsense,” Gachagua stated, adding that the government should focus on fulfilling its initial commitments before introducing new development ambitions.

Government defends health scheme

The Social Health Authority was launched in October 2024 to replace the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) under the Social Health Insurance Act 2023. The programme is designed to support Universal Health Coverage as part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

Government officials, including President William Ruto and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, have defended the rollout, citing progress in enrolment and funding. According to government data, the scheme has registered about 29.8 million Kenyans, collected Ksh142.8 billion in premiums and paid out Ksh109 billion in claims.

Duale has also addressed concerns raised in public discussions about the management of funds within the Social Health Insurance Fund administered by SHA. In a statement shared on March 10, 2026, he said figures cited in reports about irregular payments had been misinterpreted.

He explained that amounts described as unsupported claims relate to accounting provisions for outstanding claims and liabilities yet to be reported. Duale also said that other figures referenced in discussions relate to transfers made during the transition from NHIF to SHA and to services linked to the Public Officers Medical Scheme.