“People Are Mad”- Ruto Rejects Claims KSh 50 Billion Lost in Social Health Authority

President William Ruto has strongly dismissed reports suggesting that Kenya lost KSh 50 billion under the Social Health Authority (SHA). He described the claims as misleading and politically motivated, emphasizing that the funds remain accounted for and are actively supporting hospitals across the country.

“The news that we lost KSh 50 billion is propaganda. People are mad. If we lost that money, there would be nothing to pay, and no hospitals,” Ruto said. The president added that the government continues to make significant payments under the new health financing system, including KSh 16.2 billion this week alone to support primary healthcare services and the Social Health Insurance Fund.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also defended the SHA, stressing that the flagged amounts largely represent accounting provisions and legitimate payments rather than missing funds. He highlighted that some transactions flagged as “uncontracted” were made during the transition from NHIF to SHA, allowing hospitals with valid prior contracts to continue treating patients without disruption. “Flagging these facilities as uncontracted ignores the reality that turning patients away could have been catastrophic,” Duale wrote.

The auditor-general’s report cited about KSh 49.3 billion in transactions described as irregular or unsupported. These included claims for future medical services not yet invoiced, unauthorized Public Officers Medical Scheme payments, and minor discrepancies in transfers between the Social Health Insurance Fund and SHA. Ruto and Duale both clarified that these do not indicate stolen money.

The president and CS emphasized that the SHA system is operational and continues to deliver essential health services. They warned that misrepresenting the audit could cause unnecessary public alarm and stressed the government’s commitment to reducing healthcare costs for citizens.

The controversy highlights the challenge of interpreting complex financial audits for the public. Officials insist the focus should remain on improving healthcare delivery rather than politicizing accounting details.