Nairobi, March 5- Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has urged the Ministry of Health to suspend the Social Health Authority (SHA) following a damning report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu. The report exposed SHA as a Ksh104 billion corruption scheme that the government neither owns nor controls, endangering billions contributed by Kenyans for healthcare.
Omtatah has issued three key demands: the immediate suspension of SHA pending a full investigation, a complete overhaul of its framework, and accountability for those responsible for misappropriated funds. He warned that SHA’s failures go beyond administrative issues, posing a serious threat to Universal Health Coverage in Kenya.
“This is not just mismanagement; it’s a systemic failure that betrays millions relying on a fair and accountable healthcare system,” he stated.
The Auditor General’s report revealed that 2.5% of members’ contributions were being funneled into an escrow account with no oversight. It also highlighted procurement irregularities, missing payment agreements, and unfavorable contract terms.
The revelations have intensified public outcry, with calls for SHA’s cancellation and stricter oversight of its financial management.
