Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has launched a sweeping crackdown on medical fraud, revealing that more than 1,000 health facilities have been shut down, with hundreds more under investigation for attempting to illegally claim funds from the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In a stern address on Saturday, Duale identified five counties Homa Bay County, Bungoma County, Mandera County, Wajir County and Kisii County as hotspots for the fraudulent schemes, pointing to private health facilities as the main culprits.
He detailed the scale of the ongoing operation, noting that since March 30, at least 12 facilities have been shut down over fraud allegations.
The investigations span multiple agencies. Twenty-four facilities are currently undergoing forensic audits by SHA investigators, while the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is probing 250 facilities.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has already received 30 case files, with 18 facilities facing court proceedings.
Duale said the crackdown is part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage programme, warning that public funds intended for patient care must not be siphoned through fraudulent claims.
“Not a single cent meant for sick Kenyans will be lost,” he said, pledging sustained enforcement and accountability.
The Cabinet Secretary was speaking during a graduation ceremony at the Hawa Kosar Islamic Centre, where he also commended 25 girls who completed a high school-level Islamic Studies programme.
