CS Duale Hits Back at Gachagua Over SHA Collapse Claims, Defends Health Reforms

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has strongly dismissed claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that the Social Health Authority (SHA) will collapse within six months, saying the remarks are misleading and meant to alarm health facilities across the country.

Speaking on Sunday evening, Duale accused Gachagua of spreading false information and attempting to pressure hospitals over the new health financing system introduced by the government.

“You want to extort health facilities. I want to urge our hospital owners and health facilities—private, public, and faith-based—to be warned of a conman,” Duale said.

The Health CS defended the performance of the Social Health Authority, stating that the new health scheme has already achieved major milestones since its launch.

According to Duale, SHA has disbursed over KSh19 billion to support primary health care services across the country.

He also revealed that the authority has already paid out KSh121 billion to health facilities, nearly doubling the payouts that were previously made under the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

In addition, Duale noted that more than 30 million Kenyans have registered under the new system and are currently accessing primary health care services.

“Over 30 million Kenyans are now registered and benefiting from primary health care under SHA, compared to only about 3 million under the NHIF,” Duale said.

However, Gachagua had earlier warned that the new health system could collapse due to unpaid debts owed to hospitals.

Speaking during a church service in Kirinyaga County, the former deputy president claimed that hospitals—especially faith-based institutions—are owed up to KSh90 billion by the government.

According to him, the massive debt could trigger a major crisis in the health sector if not addressed.

“I have information that SHA will collapse in six months, and we will have a crisis of unknown magnitude in the health sector,” Gachagua claimed.

Gachagua also urged hospitals to demand settlement of the outstanding payments before continuing to offer services.

He warned that if the authority collapses while hospitals continue operating without receiving payments, many facilities could face serious financial challenges.

“If SHA collapses, all our hospitals will collapse. Hospitals should demand the release of the KSh90 billion they are owed before they continue offering services,” he added.

The exchange between Duale and Gachagua highlights the increasing political tensions surrounding the government’s health reforms and the rollout of the Social Health Authority.