A fresh statement about the future of Kenya’s Social Health Authority has opened another difficult conversation, with Senior Counsel Paul Muite demanding answers from Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Muite has challenged Duale to explain the reasons behind the reported plan to close SHA and transition hospitals to a new system. In a post shared on X, the lawyer questioned what would happen to the billions already spent on the technology supporting the programme.
“Bwana C.S., tell us the reasons for closing SHA,” Muite wrote, while also asking whether the KSh103 billion he says was paid for the SHA software would be refunded.
The remarks come amid continued controversy surrounding the cost and performance of the health insurance system, which replaced NHIF in October 2024. Previous reports have documented Muite’s criticism of the technology expenditure, including his claim that taxpayers paid about KSh104 billion while the software itself was worth far less.
The government, however, has consistently defended SHA and disputed allegations of massive financial losses. President William Ruto has rejected claims that KSh103 billion was lost through SHA, describing such accusations as baseless.
Duale has also previously challenged allegations concerning the system and demanded documentary evidence for specific claims against him.
Now, Muite’s latest questions place the Health CS under renewed public scrutiny. If SHA is indeed being replaced, Kenyans will want clarity on why the change is necessary, what happens to existing investments and how patients and hospitals will be protected during the transition.