Your Funds Are Safe — SHA Director Mwangangi Reassures Kenyans

Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA) has assured the public of its financial stability, responding to concerns about delays in claims processing and the management of healthcare funds.

Speaking on Citizen TV, SHA Director Dr Mercy Mwangangi said the Authority has enough liquidity to meet its obligations and continue supporting Universal Health Coverage (UHC). She reported that the SHA had received claims totalling Sh82 billion since its inception, of which more than Sh10 billion were rejected due to incomplete documentation or ongoing verification processes.

Dr Mwangangi emphasised that no payments are made without thorough checks and confirmed that Sh6.5 billion in claims were being processed on the day of her interview, with Sh7.3 billion available for disbursement. She cited these figures as evidence of careful financial planning and control.

The SHA is fully funded through domestic contributions and is projected to collect around Sh90 billion annually. This approach reflects the government’s commitment to reducing reliance on external borrowing and building a self-sustaining healthcare system. Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale echoed this view, highlighting President William Ruto’s support for the model as key to achieving long-term reforms.

“The goal is for every Kenyan to contribute fairly and benefit equally,” said Duale. 

The funding model is designed to pool contributions to ensure all citizens have access to healthcare, while also protecting the integrity of public funds. In addition to the SHA rollout, the government has secured medical equipment worth over Sh200 billion through a leasing programme aimed at upgrading healthcare infrastructure across the country. 

This strategy allows for modernisation without the need for large upfront investments, aligning with ongoing financial reforms under UHC. As SHA continues its implementation, its ability to manage funds efficiently and deliver reliable healthcare services will remain under close watch. 

While the Authority maintains that its financial position is strong, the high number of rejected claims raises questions about administrative processes and access to services, particularly for those most in need.