Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has publicly questioned the effectiveness of the Social Health Authority (SHA), contradicting government assurances about the scheme's performance.

Speaking during the Linda Mwananchi tour in Kamukuywa, Bungoma County, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, Sifuna revealed that Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka privately informed him that hospitals in the county have yet to receive payments from the SHA.

Private Concerns Over Payments

"When Governor Lusaka comes to the Senate, he tells me quietly, ‘Sifuna, say SHA has not paid Bungoma hospitals.’ Why don’t you say it yourself?" Sifuna remarked, highlighting a disconnect between the government's public narrative and the realities faced by healthcare providers.

The senator's comments add to a growing political debate as opposition figures raise alarms over delayed payments to hospitals under the SHA scheme.

Government Defends SHA Reforms

President William Ruto has defended the SHA, emphasizing its expanded healthcare coverage and increased hospital payments compared to the previous National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

At a State House meeting with over 7,000 Nairobi County Community Health Promoters on July 25, 2026, Ruto warned that reverting to the old NHIF system would jeopardize recent healthcare gains.

  • SHA has enrolled 32 million Kenyans, up from about 8 million under NHIF.
  • Monthly payments to hospitals have increased to Ksh12 billion, compared to Ksh5.6 billion every three months under NHIF.

Ongoing Payment Disputes

The SHA is currently addressing outstanding payment claims inherited from NHIF. Healthcare providers with verified claims of Ksh10 million and below have been invited to submit documentation for review by July 31, 2026.

Opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have criticized the scheme, warning that unpaid hospital bills could undermine healthcare delivery.

Political Implications Ahead of 2027 Elections

Sifuna has made healthcare a key focus in his political agenda, leveraging concerns about SHA payments to challenge the government's record on service delivery. The debate over the health scheme is expected to intensify as the 2027 General Election approaches.

In addition to healthcare, Sifuna continues to critique other government initiatives such as the Affordable Housing programme and its rollout.