‘Release the data!’ Passaris calls for SHA transparency over Sh11bn fraud claims

Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris during a past event

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has urged the Ministry of Health to publish full payment records for the Social Health Assurance programme, citing concerns over mismanagement and structural weaknesses within the national health insurance system.

Her call followed Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s disclosure that an attempted Sh11 billion fraudulent claim had been detected within the SHA system, a move he said risked eroding public trust and disrupting healthcare delivery.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Passaris said mismanagement within the health financing system ultimately hurts ordinary Kenyans who rely on public hospitals for essential services and affordable care.

“Sh11 billion is a significant sum. That money could equip hospitals with lifesaving equipment, provide essential medicines, and support thousands of healthcare workers for years,” Passaris said.

She added that while she supports the Social Health Authority and universal healthcare goals, citizens’ contributions must translate into tangible improvements rather than being lost through system loopholes.

According to Passaris, the attempted fraud, whether successful or not, exposed serious gaps within the SHA framework that require immediate corrective action from responsible authorities.

She stressed that demanding accountability should not be mistaken for political opposition, saying leadership requires safeguarding public resources and ensuring systems function as intended.

“From ghost patients to irregular claims, we must expose leakages, flag fraud, and ensure public funds are protected. Our healthcare system needs urgent interventions,” she said.

Passaris further argued that transparency alone is insufficient without clear consequences for those found culpable, warning that public confidence in SHA depends on visible accountability measures.

“SHA must succeed, and it will only do so if trust, transparency, and accountability go hand in hand,” she added.

Responding to the concerns, Duale said the government has strengthened oversight mechanisms within the SHA framework to curb fraud and protect contributors’ funds.

According to Duale, fraudulent claims amounting to Sh11.6 billion were identified and rejected, demonstrating that tighter controls are already yielding results.

“Fraudulent claims are being detected and addressed. Every contribution made by Kenyans is monitored, and any misuse will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Duale said during an interview with Citizen TV.

He added that while public debate often highlights failures, significant progress is being made to reinforce the integrity and sustainability of the national health insurance system.