As the debate on the fate of the social health authority (SHA) gains momentum, President Ruto has strongly defended the health scheme terming it a silver bullet and catalyst in attaining the universal health coverage dream.
But what do the numbers say? Is SHA financially stable and is it sustainable?
“I have information that SHA will collapse in 6 months and we will have a crisis of unknown magnitude in the health sector.” Rigathi Gachagua, Party Leader, DCP
This statement by Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is the genesis of the ongoing debate surrounding SHA.
Many ask, was this a warning or just a baseless proclamation? On Wednesday, President William Ruto equally weighed in on the matter, terming Gachagua as a pathological liar and prophet of doom.
“Nimeskia mwingine juzi ati ako na habari kwamba SHA ita collapse in 6 months, kwa sababu mimi ni rais nikajaribu kuchunguza, hii habari alitoa wapi?, nikagundua kumbe alienda akaongea na waganga na wachawi ndio wakamwambia hiyo.” Dr. William Ruto – President
The President insists that the Kenya Kwanza Regime has paid the highest amount paid by any Social Security in Kenya using the Social Health Authority.
“Kwa hivyo hawa wengine ni watu wanaongea na wachawi na waganga kule msituni lakini the facts are stubborn, everyday SHA is paying for families, SHA is paying for individuals and there are witnesses across Kenya.” Dr. William Ruto – President
Health CS Aden Duale has equally defended the Social Health Authority, calling on Gachagua to produce tangible evidence on his remarks, further accusing him of demonizing the Somali tribe.
“The former Deputy President is dodging the real issues. His integrity is under scrutiny. Let him face Kenyans and answer: Did he, or did he not, tamper with his late brother’s will? Did he disinherit the widows and children? He may try to run, but he cannot hide from the truth.” Aden Duale – CS, Health
As the political factions trade words, what do the numbers say?
So far 30 million Kenyans have registered with SHA, however only 5 million Kenyans are channeling their 2.75% monthly contribution to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which is one of the three funds under SHA.
According to the Institute of Economic Affairs, from Jan–October 2025 the average monthly collection for SHIF was Ksh 6.5 billion vs a requirement of Ksh 8.3 billion per month.
Additionally, in the 2025/26 financial year, the funding gap in SHIF is 18.9bn while the gap in the Primary Healthcare Fund and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund is Ksh 48bn and Ksh 99bn respectively.
This data points to a widening financial gap in SHA which, if not promptly addressed, could lead to a crisis.
According to the Ministry of Health, claims worth Ksh 27.5bn have been submitted to SHA, of which a total of Ksh 18.1bn worth of claims have been paid.
Ksh 1.4bn claims have on the other hand been rejected. Claims amounting to Ksh 2.3bn have been returned to facilities for corrections, and Ksh 5.5bn worth of claims are under review.
