Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
Speaking Monday in Nairobi at the World Health Summit Regional Meeting, President Ruto urged African governments to take primary responsibility for health financing and reforms, warning donor dependence and fragmented systems are weakening resilience.
Senior mental health expert Dr. Lukoye Atwoli told the World Health Summit Regional Meeting in Nairobi that African health systems face unprecedented strain from funding cuts, climate shocks and supply chain fragility, urging enforceable commitments.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Monday, Dr. Abdi said SHA “payout is around 80%,” noting that the current system is performing better in settling claims compared to its predecessor.
Social Health Authority chair Dr. Abdi Mohamed says teachers’ medical cover was transferred to SHA to save costs and expand access from about 800 to 10,000 facilities, while curbing misuse and fraudulent claims.
Kirinyaga, which hosted this year’s national World Malaria Day celebrations, has also strengthened its surveillance capacity through a reference laboratory that supports faster detection and response to emerging cases.
The Controller of Budget notes that the accumulation of unpaid claims has slowed essential operations in hospitals, including procurement of drugs and medical supplies, affecting service delivery at the county level.
Health CS Aden Duale said the private sector is central to Kenya’s health reforms and Universal Health Coverage, citing SHA disbursements of Sh137.4 billion. He also warned against malpractice and outlined financing, supply chain and digital reforms.
Global health diplomacy adviser Nicholas Muraguri, speaking on Radio Generation, says Africa’s recovery from COVID-19 remains uneven. He urges local vaccine production, resilient supply chains, and stronger health systems as a national security and economic priority.
Dr. Abdihamid said age and gender are the strongest risk factors, with family history also playing a role in increasing vulnerability. He stressed that routine screening is key to detecting the disease early, particularly through the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
Under the arrangement, Sh300,000 last expense payments for deceased principal members are now ready, with the Ministry confirming that all verified claims have been processed and will be released.
Public Health PS Mary Muthoni said the country already has enough knowledge and tools to deal with malaria, but weak execution on the ground is slowing down progress.
In a joint communiqué issued on April 23, the Ministry of Health, the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS) announced immediate measures to restore access to healthcare under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF), following weeks of disruptions and complaints.
Acting KNH Chief Executive Officer Richard Lesiyampe said the hospital has begun putting in place measures to ensure that patients are not held back after treatment due to financial hardship.
Kenya’s Ministry of Health says malaria incidence fell by 5% between 2023 and 2025 and mortality dropped by 32% while preparing for 2026 World Malaria Day. The ministry launched updated diagnosis and treatment guidelines and new surveillance tools.
Duale said the anomalies uncovered by the digital platform show coordinated schemes involving individuals, clinicians and private hospitals seeking to manipulate claims.
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.
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.
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.
Ngumba also addressed myths around vasectomy, noting that the procedure does not stop ejaculation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.