Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has defended ongoing reforms in the Social Health Authority (SHA), stating they are necessary to protect public funds and eliminate fraud within the system.

Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, April 22, CS Duale said the reforms, ranging from shutting down non-compliant health facilities to rejecting suspicious claims, are aimed at safeguarding contributions made by Kenyans, including teachers who have recently raised concerns over access to healthcare.

“When I close a hospital, please don’t call me. I have seen many people calling me, but I have refused to go. I have refused to be part of fraud. I will not,” Duale told senators, signaling a firm stance against interference in enforcement measures.

The CS further emphasized that misuse of health funds would not be tolerated under his watch. “You cannot steal patients’ money meant for Kenyan patients.

If you want to steal, go steal the money meant for roads and water, but not somebody on a hospital bed,” he said.

Duale noted that fraud remains a global challenge in health insurance systems, citing comparisons with other countries.

“Globally, even in the US, fraud exists. In fact, the US is at 28 per cent, while the country with the lowest is Estonia at 6 per cent. But since April last year, when I went to that ministry, it was at 26 per cent. Now I want to confirm to the country that because of the actions we have taken, we are now below 6 per cent,” he stated.

According to Duale, SHA has already rejected fraudulent claims worth Sh13.2 billion, warning that the amount could rise as ongoing audits continue.

His remarks come amid warnings from teachers of a possible strike next week, citing challenges in accessing healthcare services under the new system.