Ruto Unveils Anti-Graft Reforms, Targets Health Sector Fraud

President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating corruption across government institutions, unveiling a series of reforms aimed at curbing systemic fraud and restoring public confidence. 

Speaking during a public address at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Siaya County, the Head of State issued a stern warning to those implicated in the misappropriation of public funds, particularly within the health sector, and signalled an uncompromising stance on accountability.

Central to the President’s renewed anti-graft campaign is the operationalisation of the Social Health Authority (SHA), a newly constituted body tasked with overseeing health financing and service delivery. According to Ruto, preliminary audits conducted under SHA’s digital systems have exposed longstanding irregularities, including unverifiable claims and inflated procurement costs. 

Among the most alarming revelations is a Sh30 billion debt inherited from the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which the President described as emblematic of entrenched malpractice.

“We shall not pay without verification, whether public or private facilities,” Ruto declared. 

He further asserted that those who exploited NHIF’s vulnerabilities would find no refuge under the new regime, which prioritises transparency and data integrity.

In tandem with SHA’s rollout, the government has instituted a mandatory e-procurement platform, now the exclusive channel for public tenders. 

Launched in July 2025, the system is designed to eliminate opaque contracting practices and deter inflated pricing. Ruto cited instances where goods valued at Sh2 were procured at quintuple the cost, attributing such discrepancies to collusion and kickbacks. 

“Those resisting e-procurement want to protect the status quo,” he said, adding that the digital shift would ensure full visibility of tender awards and pricing structures.

The President’s remarks come amid growing public demand for institutional reform and ethical governance. By extending the anti-corruption drive to all arms of government, including the Executive, Parliament and Judiciary, Ruto signalled a departure from selective enforcement. 

“There is no reverse gear in this war,” he said, urging officials unwilling to embrace transparency to vacate office.

The reforms have drawn rare bipartisan support, with Siaya Governor James Orengo commending the President’s resolve. “As long as you work for the people of Kenya and Siaya, the future is bright,” Orengo said, reflecting a broader consensus on the need for clean governance.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi echoed this sentiment, attributing resistance to the e-procurement system to entrenched interests benefiting from loopholes. Parliamentary leaders have also rallied behind the initiative. Public Accounts Committee Chair Tindi Mwale, alongside MPs Elisha Odhiambo, Mark Nyamita, Gideon Ochanda and Samuel Atandi, linked the reforms to improved service delivery. 

Nyamita, in particular, called for robust oversight of SHA, likening its potential impact to Kenya’s landmark free primary education programme. He further urged decisive action against legislators implicated in health sector fraud, saying, “If any MP owns a hospital and is part of the fraud, they must be dealt with ruthlessly.”

President Ruto’s visit to Siaya, his fifth since assuming office, was marked by a warm reception and vocal support for his second-term ambitions.