Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters have intensified investigations into alleged fraud involving healthcare facilities audited by the Social Health Authority (SHA), as authorities move to safeguard public resources and enforce accountability in the health sector.
According to an update issued by the DCI on Wednesday, the probe is being conducted by detectives from the Investigations Bureau at the agency’s headquarters and targets multiple health facilities spread across several counties.
The affected counties include Nairobi, Homa Bay, Wajir, Kilifi, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisumu, Vihiga, and Kajiado, highlighting the wide geographical scope of the alleged scheme.
The DCI said significant progress has been made in the investigations, with 18 case files already forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and legal guidance.
Following the review, the ODPP approved the prosecution of nine cases, paving the way for suspects linked to those files to face criminal charges.
In addition, five case files are currently pending review and advice from the ODPP.
Investigators noted that these files are at various stages of assessment as prosecutors determine whether they meet the legal threshold for prosecution.
The ODPP has also returned three case files to the DCI for further investigations, indicating the need for additional inquiries or clarification before a decision on prosecution can be made.
Meanwhile, seven more case files are still under active investigation by detectives and are expected to be submitted to the ODPP once the inquiries are complete.
As the investigations continue, a total of 24 suspects drawn from different medical facilities across the affected counties have already been charged in court. The DCI did not disclose the specific nature of the charges or the amounts involved but maintained that the cases relate to fraudulent activities uncovered during SHA audits.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability in the management of public funds, particularly within the healthcare sector, which plays a critical role in service delivery to Kenyans. The DCI said investigations are ongoing and warned that all individuals found culpable will face the full force of the law.
Authorities emphasized that the ongoing probe is part of broader efforts to curb fraud, protect public resources, and restore integrity in institutions responsible for providing essential health services.
