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Former presidential candidate Reuben Kigame has launched a scathing attack on the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Speaking to a local media station on Thursday, January 16, 2025, Kigame described the authority as a ‘con system’ that was unnecessarily introduced to replace the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in October 2024.

Kigame criticized the government’s decision to dismantle NHIF instead of improving the existing system.

“SHA is just not working and it will never work because it’s a con system. If NHIF had problems, we should have fixed it,” he said.

Drawing parallels between SHA and the education sector reforms, Kigame compared the transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) from the 8-4-4 system, accusing President William Ruto’s administration of misconduct.

“Anytime you see a system that has operated and somebody comes up and dismantles it instead of making it better, you’re dealing with con artists,” he stated.

The former presidential candidate pointed to growing public discontent, citing recent incidents of citizens protesting in healthcare facilities and expressing their frustrations in public spaces.

“When you see patients storm the health office like they did, they’re telling you something. The problem comes in when you don’t listen,” he warned.

According to Kigame, the problems stem from what he described as a complete breakdown in governance, stressing that Kenya desperately needs leaders of integrity.

“We want leaders without character; in fact, if you’re without it, you seem to attract the centre. We have to turn that around. This begins with citizens,” he added.

Patients’ woes

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, drama unfolded at Afya House as patients stormed the premises to protest the failures of the recently launched Social Health Authority (SHA).

In a video seen by People Daily Digital, disgruntled patients, including a new mother with her infant, expressed their disappointment with the program, lamenting that its inefficiency has left them stranded.

They specifically reported being unable to access services at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) due to a disruption in the system.

Additionally, they voiced frustration that their attempts to seek answers from officials at the offices were unsuccessful, urging the government to intervene immediately. The SHA has faced considerable criticism for its ineffectiveness during health emergencies.

Ruto’s tough stance

Despite public complaints regarding the SHA’s shortcomings, President William Ruto defended the initiative, asserting that it will transform the country’s healthcare sector.

He acknowledged the ongoing challenges, noting that they are being addressed and will soon be resolved.

“I know we have had challenges because we are transitioning from what it was to the new model. In every transition, there will be challenges, which we are managing. Last week we disbursed money for hospitals and dispensaries and next week will do the same until the transition is complete,” Ruto said. 

Since its launch in October, over 17.8 million Kenyans have registered with the SHA. Of these, 13.2 million are new members, while 4.6 million switched from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

According to Health Director General Patrick Amoth, as of January 15, 2025, the SHA has effectively covered 21,000 oncology cases, facilitated 8,300 dialysis sessions, and funded eight kidney transplants for the 17.8 million registered members.