Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has warned that the Social Health Authority (SHA) is at risk of collapse within the next six months, citing mounting operational and financial challenges facing the government-run health insurance scheme.
Speaking at the ACK Diocese of Kirinyaga in Ndia Constituency on March 29, Gachagua expressed concern over the state of the country’s healthcare system, cautioning that failure to address the issues urgently could result in a nationwide disruption of services.
He pointed to significant unpaid debts owed to hospitals, particularly faith-based and private facilities as a major threat to the system’s stability.
Gachagua Says Social Health Authority Risks Collapse Within Six Months. Photo: Courtesy.
According to Gachagua, some facilities are owed up to Ksh90 million, a situation he warned could force hospitals to scale down operations or shut down entirely if not resolved.
Gachagua’s warning comes amid a deepening financial crisis at the Social Health Authority (SHA), with hospital arrears estimated at over Ksh 76 billion, including debts inherited from the defunct NHIF.
Although the government has recently disbursed Ksh 15.4 billion in March and an additional Ksh 4.1 billion to clear part of the NHIF backlog, hospitals say the payments are insufficient.
Many facilities, particularly private and faith-based ones, continue to struggle under the weight of unpaid claims.
Gachagua cautioned that the situation could force some hospitals to shut down, further straining the healthcare system.
He urged affected facilities to negotiate for upfront or advance monthly payments from SHA to safeguard their operations, even as the Ministry of Health pledged to settle future claims by the 14th of every month.
