Health and Wellness | Radio Generation Kenya

SHA to stop drug payments where patients are not given medicine, Duale says

Health and Wellness

SHA to stop drug payments where patients are not given medicine, Duale says

According to the Ministry of Health, the system has revealed a growing pattern in which patients complete treatment inside public facilities but leave without medicine from hospital pharmacies, raising concerns about service delivery and possible diversion of patients to private drug outlets.

Bradley Bosire 22 Apr 2026

CS Duale warns National Assembly against changes to Senate tobacco law

Health and Wellness

CS Duale warns National Assembly against changes to Senate tobacco law

Duale identified the Tobacco Control Fund as a critical tool in Kenya’s fight against tobacco use, saying it plays a central role in funding national programmes. The fund, supported through a compensatory contribution from industry players, finances public awareness campaigns, cessation support, enforcement training, and research on tobacco and emerging nicotine products.

David Abonyo 22 Apr 2026

Duale names five counties leading in SHA fraud, reveals Sh13.2bn loss

Health and Wellness

Duale names five counties leading in SHA fraud, reveals Sh13.2bn loss

According to the Health CS, the government has already flagged widespread irregularities in claims submitted to SHA, warning that authorities will sustain the crackdown to protect public resources.

Maureen Kinyanjui 22 Apr 2026

Expert: Ejaculation alone doesn’t confirm male fertility

Health and Wellness

Expert: Ejaculation alone doesn’t confirm male fertility

Ngumba also addressed myths around vasectomy, noting that the procedure does not stop ejaculation.

Bradley Bosire 21 Apr 2026

Kenya launches 2026 Africa Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Programme

Health and Wellness

Kenya launches 2026 Africa Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Programme

The two-week programme brings together participants from 17 African countries, marking an expansion from its inaugural cohort last year, which had 52 participants from 11 countries. The growth is being seen as a sign of increasing continental commitment to strengthening mental health systems and leadership.

David Abonyo 20 Apr 2026

PS Oluga urges shift from vertical HIV programmes

News

PS Oluga urges shift from vertical HIV programmes

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga says Kenya must move from vertical HIV programmes to integrated, people-centred care as it targets ending AIDS by 2030, while strengthening health systems and domestic financing.

David Abonyo 20 Apr 2026

Murang’a fistula camp treats over 400 women, highlights care gaps

Health and Wellness

Murang’a fistula camp treats over 400 women, highlights care gaps

At Murang’a County Referral Hospital, dozens of women and girls underwent corrective fistula surgery, while others received screening, counselling and physiotherapy during a recent medical camp aimed at improving long-term management of the condition.

Samuel Otieno 19 Apr 2026

Health Director-General Amoth urges Kenya to close gap in child health targets as mortality rates remain high

Health and Wellness

Health Director-General Amoth urges Kenya to close gap in child health targets as mortality rates remain high

To address the gaps, the Ministry of Health is introducing targeted programmes aimed at improving results in counties carrying the highest burden of maternal and newborn deaths.

Chrispho Owuor 17 Apr 2026

Siaya Governor James Orengo speaking at a past function/HANDOUT

Health and Wellness

Siaya tightens disease control after anthrax outbreak near Gem border

Siaya County has activated a One Health emergency response after a confirmed anthrax outbreak in neighbouring Vihiga, tightening surveillance, livestock controls and vaccinations to protect residents and animals along the Gem border.

Chrispho Owuor 17 Apr 2026

Fee-for-service model boosts healthcare access in counties, says Health CS Duale

Health and Wellness

Fee-for-service model boosts healthcare access in counties, says Health CS Duale

Through this system, counties are being equipped with advanced diagnostic tools such as CT scanners, radiology machines, and other specialised equipment, enabling patients to receive services within their local facilities instead of being referred to distant national hospitals.

Chrispho Owuor 17 Apr 2026

Turn health data into action to improve care delivery, PS Oluga tells counties

Health and Wellness

Turn health data into action to improve care delivery, PS Oluga tells counties

Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga has announced a six-month maternal and newborn health initiative from May 2026, urging Kenya’s counties to fix systemic gaps in data use, accountability and service access.

Chrispho Owuor 17 Apr 2026

Expert highlights genetic roots of autism amid calls for better diagnosis and services

Health and Wellness

Expert highlights genetic roots of autism amid calls for better diagnosis and services

Special education expert Calvince Omondi explains autism as a genetic neurodevelopmental condition, dispels vaccine and spiritual myths, and urges stronger data, diagnosis and tailored support for learners in Kenya.

Chrispho Owuor 16 Apr 2026

Hospitals struggle as insurance payment delays and staffing gaps bite, Senate report says

Health and Wellness

Hospitals struggle as insurance payment delays and staffing gaps bite, Senate report says

The report by the Senate County Public Investment and Special Funds Committee points to widespread disruptions in the management of claims under the Social Health Authority, noting that hospitals are struggling to keep operations steady due to delayed reimbursements and frequent rejection of submitted claims, even where documentation has been provided.

Maureen Kinyanjui 16 Apr 2026

Outcry as civil servants reject SHA medical changes, threaten legal action

Health and Wellness

Outcry as civil servants reject SHA medical changes, threaten legal action

Union Secretary General Lawrence Ochieng said the new ceiling does not match the cost of treatment and weakens the protection that civil servants rely on for routine healthcare.

Maureen Kinyanjui 16 Apr 2026

Relief for Mediheal as MPs ease sanctions but tighten transplant rules

Health and Wellness

Relief for Mediheal as MPs ease sanctions but tighten transplant rules

The inquiry followed an order in April 2025 by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who suspended kidney transplant services at the Eldoret-based Mediheal facility after complaints emerged over possible breaches of medical and ethical standards. Mediheal Group of Hospitals is associated with former Kesses Member of Parliament Swarup Mishra.

Maureen Kinyanjui 16 Apr 2026

KNH says it faces shortage of 400 nurses as staffing gaps strain services

Health and Wellness

KNH says it faces shortage of 400 nurses as staffing gaps strain services

Lesiyampe said the shortage has been felt most in busy areas such as maternity and paediatrics, where patient demand often goes beyond what available staff can manage.

David Abonyo 15 Apr 2026

Details of new pay, staffing plan deal that sealed end of KNH nurses’ strike

Health and Wellness

Details of new pay, staffing plan deal that sealed end of KNH nurses’ strike

The settlement provides for revised allowances, including Sh25,000 for uniforms and Sh30,000 for nursing service, while leave allowance will be calculated at one-third of basic salary, capped at Sh50,000. The health risk allowance remains unchanged at Sh5,000.

Maureen Kinyanjui 15 Apr 2026

Kenyatta National Hospital nurses’ strike called off after talks, CS Duale confirms

Health and Wellness

Kenyatta National Hospital nurses’ strike called off after talks, CS Duale confirms

In a statement, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale confirmed that a return-to-work formula had been reached, bringing an end to the disruption at the country’s largest referral hospital.

Bradley Bosire 14 Apr 2026

The Nursing Council of Kenya CEO Dr. Lister Onsongo when she appeared before the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture (PICSSAA) on 14th April, 2026 in Parliament. PHOTO/DAVID BOGONKO NYOKANG’I

Health and Wellness

MPs fault Nursing Council over audit gaps, missing land title and fund discrepancies

The Office of the Auditor General reported that by June 30, 2024, only Sh 6,093,366 remained, leaving a variance of Sh 6,818,373. MPs said the gap raised concerns of possible violation of Regulation 54(1) of the PFM (National Government) Regulations, 2015, which bars diversion of funds meant for specific use.

David Bogonko Nyokang'i 14 Apr 2026

Hospitals to adopt new SHA reimbursement system as tariff rollout enters final phase

Health and Wellness

Hospitals to adopt new SHA reimbursement system as tariff rollout enters final phase

The Social Health Authority has begun phased rollout of Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund tariffs, starting with Level 5 and 6 hospitals, with full implementation expected within 21 days.

David Abonyo 14 Apr 2026

The Kenyatta National Hospital. PHOTO/UON

Health and Wellness

No deal reached as KNH nurses, management remain divided

Acting chief executive officer Richard Lesiyampe on Monday held talks with the striking nurses at the hospital’s administration block in a bid to resolve the standoff, outlining steps management says are already in motion.However, the meeting ended without agreement, though both sides agreed to continue engagement.

Rose Achieng 13 Apr 2026

KNH says salary payments up to March 2026 as nurses’ talks continue

Health and Wellness

KNH says salary payments up to March 2026 as nurses’ talks continue

KNH noted that its financial operations are largely dependent on reimbursements under national health financing arrangements, which affect the timing of some payments and remittances.

Rose Achieng 13 Apr 2026

The Kenyatta National Hospital. PHOTO/UON

Health and Wellness

KNH faces shutdown as nurses declare strike over pay and pension crisis

Speaking to the media, Panyako pointed to financial strain at the hospital, saying it has affected employment conditions, with a section of nurses serving on casual arrangements for up to six years without confirmation.

Ann Nyambura 13 Apr 2026

Kenya Named in US budget cuts targeting HIV prevention funding

Health and Wellness

Kenya Named in US budget cuts targeting HIV prevention funding

Details contained in the 2027 US Government Budget request, released last Friday, show that Kenya is specifically listed among programmes targeted for cuts. The document argues that US resources should not be used to fund birth control and related services in other countries.

Rose Achieng 12 Apr 2026

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns engages with young leaders on U.S.-Kenya partnership in Nairobi on December 11, 2025 PHOTO/US Embassy Nairobi

Health and Wellness

175 health facilities in Kenya receive critical maternal and newborn care equipment

The initiative, supported by the United States government in collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Health, aims to strengthen the capacity of hospitals and health centres to manage complications during childbirth and in the critical first hours of a newborn’s life.

Bradley Bosire 9 Apr 2026

Kenya’s blindness rates fall but access to treatment remains uneven

Health and Wellness

Kenya’s blindness rates fall but access to treatment remains uneven

According to the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness report, the country has reduced blindness prevalence from 0.7 per cent in the 1990s to 0.37 per cent today, reflecting a 47 per cent drop over time.

Maureen Kinyanjui 9 Apr 2026

Garissa Referral Hospital conducts 35 free fistula surgeries

Health and Wellness

Garissa Referral Hospital conducts 35 free fistula surgeries

Dr. Amina Rashid, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at the facility said the program has restored the health, dignity, and confidence of women living with obstetric fistula who benefited from the training.

Yunis Dekow 8 Apr 2026

KUCO warns of healthcare collapse in Marsabit amid prolonged strike

Health and Wellness

KUCO warns of healthcare collapse in Marsabit amid prolonged strike

Kenya’s clinical officers’ union warns of a humanitarian crisis in Marsabit County after a 151-day strike slashes services and drives a tenfold rise in neonatal deaths, urging urgent national intervention.

Chrispho Owuor 7 Apr 2026

Kenya review clears malaria vaccine after 1,623 reported adverse events

Health and Wellness

Kenya review clears malaria vaccine after 1,623 reported adverse events

A total of 1,623 adverse events were recorded between 2019 and 2023 during the pilot phase of the RTS,S malaria vaccine. These cases were carefully reviewed by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the National Vaccines and Immunization Programme, working alongside the Kenya Medical Research Institute.

Maureen Kinyanjui 7 Apr 2026

SHA suspends Bungoma West Hospital for 90 days over alleged fake claims

Health and Wellness

SHA suspends Bungoma West Hospital for 90 days over alleged fake claims

The directive, which took effect immediately, prevents the hospital from admitting beneficiaries under SHA, submitting claims, requesting approvals in advance, processing notifications, or receiving any form of payment from the authority during the suspension period.

Rose Achieng 4 Apr 2026