Gachagua: I have information SHA will collapse in 6 months

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua during a past interview with an insert of SHA logo

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised alarm over the state of Kenya’s healthcare system, warning that the Social Health Authority (SHA) could collapse within six months, potentially sparking a nationwide health crisis.

Speaking during a church service at ACK Diocese of Kirinyaga in Ndia Constituency, Kirinyaga County, on Sunday, March 29, 2026, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader highlighted growing concerns over delayed payments to hospitals.

“We have a big challenge with our hospitals. I have information that SHA will collapse in another six months, and there will be a major crisis of unknown magnitude in the health sector,” Gachagua said.

According to Gachagua, the crisis is largely due to unpaid debts owed to healthcare providers, particularly faith-based hospitals. He claimed that hospitals are currently owed up to KSh 90 billion, leaving many struggling to sustain operations.

“Today, our hospitals, especially faith-based ones, are owed KSh 90 billion and are almost shutting down,” he added.

Gachagua urged hospitals to take immediate measures to safeguard their survival, including demanding settlement of outstanding payments before continuing to offer services under the SHA scheme.

He also proposed that hospitals consider requiring upfront payments from SHA to reduce financial risk.

“I want to give very humble advice to our hospitals: if SHA collapses, all our hospitals will collapse, and we will have a very big crisis. Our hospitals should demand immediately the release of the KSh 90 billion they are owed before rendering further services. They should also consider demanding upfront payments from SHA,” he said.

Healthcare stakeholders have in recent months raised concerns over delayed reimbursements and operational challenges linked to the transition to the new health financing model.

Audit reports have also highlighted fund misappropriation at SHA, with fraudulent claims undermining the national health insurer’s stability.