The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety and the integrity of the national healthcare system, announcing the suspension of Sisto Mazzoldi Hospital from providing services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) framework amid investigations into alleged irregular claims.
In a press statement dated December 17, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the government remains focused on delivering quality Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in line with Article 43 of the Constitution, which guarantees every Kenyan the right to accessible and quality healthcare.
“The Government of Kenya reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the delivery of high-quality Universal Health Coverage for all citizens, regardless of where they seek health services,” Duale said, stressing that patients must be fully protected from harm while accessing essential health services.
Duale said concerns had been raised regarding service delivery at Sisto Mazzoldi Hospital and claims submitted to the Social Health Authority, prompting regulatory action. According to the ministry, the hospital was placed under active investigation by the SHA over the alleged submission of inaccurate claims.
“Consequently, the authority officially suspended the facility from providing services under the SHA framework until all investigations are fully concluded,” the statement said.
In addition to the SHA probe, the Cabinet secretary said the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) had conducted a comprehensive regulatory assessment of the facility in November 2025.
Following the audit, the council downgraded Sisto Mazzoldi Hospital from a Level IV to a Level III institution.
The downgrade, Duale said, was informed by an assessment of the hospital’s human resource capacity, range of services, and infrastructure.
“This decision was based on a rigorous audit of the hospital’s current human resource capacity, service range, and infrastructural complement, ensuring that the facility is accurately categorized according to its actual ability to offer health services,” he said.
The ministry also responded to additional allegations of malpractice that have been highlighted in the media.
Duale said he had instructed the KMPDC to immediately launch a fresh and detailed investigation into the specific claims.
“In response to the additional allegations of malpractice highlighted by the media, I have directed the KMPDC to immediately commence a fresh, in-depth investigation into these specific claims,” he said, warning that strict disciplinary action would follow if wrongdoing is confirmed.
The KMPDC, he added, has been mandated to apply “the most stringent disciplinary actions available under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Rules” should any malpractice be established.
Duale said the government remains committed to building a healthcare system anchored on quality, transparency, efficiency and accountability, noting that public oversight is central to the reform agenda.
He urged Kenyans to report any concerns or irregularities in service delivery through the SHA toll-free number 147.
“Your active participation is critical to securing the integrity of our health systems and ensuring a healthier, more transparent future for our nation,” the Cabinet secretary said.
