St Mary’s Mumias Mission Hospital to Remain Operational as SHA Claims Resolved

 St Mary’s Mumias Mission Hospital/ PHOTO: COURTESY

The government and leadership of St Mary’s Mumias Mission Hospital have resolved critical issues surrounding the settlement of Social Health Authority (SHA) claims, assuring residents that the facility will continue offering services despite recent disruptions.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, speaking in Kakamega after a meeting with Kakamega Catholic Diocese Bishop Joseph Obanyi, confirmed that SHA has cleared Sh98 million in pending bills since last December, with an additional Sh14 million expected in the coming weeks once documentation is submitted. An initial disbursement of Sh100 million is scheduled for September 14.

“The Social Health Authority has already paid St Mary’s Sh98 million in pending bills. A further Sh14 million will be released in the coming weeks,” Duale said.

He emphasized that SHA is addressing claims across various facility levels in Kakamega, including Sh72 million for primary healthcare services and Sh166 million for Level 5 hospital services.

Duale also clarified that neither SHA nor the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has withdrawn St Mary’s operating licenses.

“NHIF was a den of corruption. That is why we shut it down. We must verify every shilling before payment,” Duale added, referring to legacy claims inherited from the defunct NHIF, amounting to about Sh5.3 billion.

Health CS Duale addressing media in Kakamega on September 3, 2025/X

Bishop Obanyi acknowledged that delays had previously triggered a staff strike but expressed confidence in the new arrangement.

“The Sh34 million pending will help us clear salary arrears, while an additional Sh10 million is under verification. Collaboration with SHA is vital for the benefit of our people,” he said.

Duale also announced that once the hospital fully reopens, it will be stocked with medicines and host a free medical camp for the local community, signaling a return to uninterrupted healthcare services in Mumias.

Duale added that the agreement underscores that the health of the people is a shared responsibility.

He further emphasized that the government will work closely with the hospital leadership to ensure St Mary’s Mumias Mission Hospital remains fully operational, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability in healthcare.