In March 2025, government blogger Antonella Kakuko emerged as one of the most vocal defenders of the Social Health Authority (SHA), at a time when many Kenyans were raising concerns over access to healthcare and service delivery.
Through her X account, Kakuko dismissed criticism of the new health system and strongly defended the government’s decision to replace NHIF.
“NHIF was fraud, SHA is the way,” she wrote. She went on to argue that “for over a decade, NHIF’s mismanagement crippled Kenya’s healthcare system, leaving hospitals underfunded and patients underserved,” Kakuko wrote on X.
Kakuko further claimed that by the time NHIF was dissolved in November, it had accumulated KSh33 billion in debt, which she said paralysed service delivery.
In contrast, she praised SHA, saying, “The new healthcare program, SHA, has already paid KSh18.2 billion in undisputed claims and is actively clearing debts through a transparent, structured plan.”
She added that “91% of hospitals owed KSh10 million and below will be paid in full, while those with larger claims will undergo a 90-day verification process to ensure accountability, something NHIF never prioritised.” According to Kakuko, “SHA is fixing what NHIF broke,” blaming resistance on “cartels that thrived on NHIF’s fraudulent dealings.”
However, months later, the blogger has found herself appealing to Kenyans for financial help following a road accident.
In a public appeal, Kakuko revealed that she was involved in a serious accident on Karen Road.
“On 26th December 2025, I was involved in a serious road accident on Karen Road and sustained injuries to my right hand, which suffered four fractures, as well as head injuries,” she said.
She explained that she was rushed to hospital, noting, “I was rushed to The Karen Hospital, where I underwent emergency surgery.”
“I am currently recovering under close medical care at home. My right hand is fully immobilised with a drainage in place, and I have been reporting to the hospital daily for physiotherapy and wound dressing,” Kakuko allegedly said in a screenshot.
Although she stated that her condition is stable, Kakuko disclosed that more procedures lie ahead. “By God’s grace, my condition is stable.
However, I am scheduled for two additional surgeries on 7th January 2026, alongside ongoing specialised care, which has become financially demanding,” she said.
“I humbly appeal for financial support to help meet the cost of the surgeries and daily medical care. Any support, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated,” she appealed.
Her appeal has since ignited debate online, with some Kenyans revisiting her earlier defence of SHA amid the unfolding situation.
