SHA disbursed Ksh.56B in 10 months, set to triple NHIF’s annual payout: Ruto

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has spent over Ksh.56 billion in the past ten months to promote Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across the country.

During the high-level launch of the National Equipment Service Project at State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto explained that the funds came from the Social Health Insurance Fund (Ksh.49.7 billion) and Primary Healthcare Fund (Ksh.6.7 billion). 

He heaped praise on SHA over the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), citing that by the time SHA marks it first anniversary, it will have disbursed nearly three times NHIF's highest annual payout.

This, the President noted, is a significant shift in healthcare financing as it highlights the government's commitment to expanding access and improving the quality of healthcare through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) system. 

"Since October 2024, SHA has paid a total of Ksh.56.4 billion, comprising Ksh.49.7 billion from the Social Health Insurance Fund and Ksh.6.7 billion under the Primary Healthcare Fund. This digital transformation is giving Kenyans faster, more transparent, and more dignified access to healthcare," he stated.

"In a year, the most NHIF ever paid was between Ksh.22 billion and Ksh.25 billion. In 10 months, SHA has paid Ksh.56.4 billion. In fact, by the first anniversary, SHA will have paid three times what NHIF ever paid in a year."

The Head of State added that SHA has registered over 25.2 million Kenyans since its inception and contracted over 11,000 healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics and health centres nationwide. 

Further, President Ruto warned fraudsters in the health sector that any malpractice that the healthcare system will flag will be dealt with firmly according to the law. 

"If you are trying to game the system, beware: You are already on our radar. The system is flagging such attempts, and investigations are ongoing. In due course, the outcomes will be made clear to all, and the fraudsters shall face the consequences of their criminal actions," he noted. 

The Social Health Authority came into inception in October 2024, aimed at addressing the gaps in NHIF and provide better services to all Kenyans regardless of economic status. 

Critics have, however, raised concerns of the healthcare system, citing lack of public awareness and clarity about how it works, especially regarding implementation, affordability and transparency.