Ruto warns fraudsters stealing SHA funds to be arrested, prosecuted

Stern action will be taken against hospitals and individuals who have attempted to siphon funds from the Social Health Authority (SHA), President William Ruto has warned.

The president said the government will arrest and prosecute such fraudsters and surcharge them for whatever payments they have received through false claims.

Addressing a delegation of 6,000 grassroots leaders from Kiambu County at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, he said: “There are people who got used to stealing public money under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) through ghost hospitals and fake claims, but not anymore. We will not only ensure that they return the money they may have illegally been paid but also prosecute them.”

So far, the president noted, more than 1,000 health facilities across the country have been closed over various financial malpractices.

He added that the digitisation of SHA operations has made it possible for authorities to detect and track fake hospitals and fraudulent claims before they are paid.

On outpatient services, President Ruto explained that the government has allocated Ksh.21 billion for the provision of primary healthcare in dispensaries, health centres and sub-county hospitals, and urged Kenyans to report facilities that are still charging patients.

“If you go to a dispensary, a health centre, or a Level Four hospital, please get treated and leave without paying a coin,” he said.

The president reiterated that access to quality healthcare is a constitutional right for all citizens and not a privilege for a few.

He said 25.7 million Kenyans have already registered under SHA, up from the 7 million under the defunct NHIF.

“We have created equity in accessing quality healthcare for all Kenyans under SHA,” he said.

Urging Kenyans to continue registering under SHA, the president said this would help the government obtain accurate data on health facilities.

President Ruto also stated that the economy is now on solid ground as key indicators show, including low inflation, a stable shilling and increasing foreign exchange reserves.

He commended Kiambu residents for taking advantage of the government’s labour mobility programme, through which 430,000 young people have secured jobs abroad.

On the Affordable Housing Programme, he said 15,000 of the 160,000 units being built countrywide are in Kiambu County at a cost of Ksh.30 billion.

“Our aim is to give Kenyans decent housing, create jobs for young people and reduce land fragmentation,” he said.

Additionally, the president said the government is building 30 new markets in Kiambu County at a cost of Ksh.4.5 billion, alongside 9,040 student hostels worth another Ksh.4.5 billion.

Meanwhile, the stalled Kirigiti Stadium will be completed by November, while a new 10,000-seater stadium will be built in Thika town at a cost of Ksh.640 million.

He also assured residents that the 240km Mau Mau roads passing through parts of the county are progressing well.

“By 2022, 20 per cent of Mau Mau roads had been done but they are now at 50 per cent. I assure you that we have enough money to complete them,” he said.

Leaders present at the event were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, MPs, MCAs, and others.