SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi has once again landed under sharp focus alongside Health CS Aden Duale.
This follows the emergence of reports that all public servants are set to dig deep in their pockets to pay cash when visiting private hospitals.
This is because the Social Health Authority has failed to pay claims worth 3 billion shillings since it started nine months ago.
The unpaid bills have left many hospitals struggling to maintain their services. Some faith-based hospitals are now warning that they may have to stop treating patients unless they receive the money owed to them.
Health CS Aden Duale speaks to the media. Photo: Ministry of Health Source: Facebook
Kakamega Governor Fernandez Baraza has called on the government to quickly release the funds to save the situation.
A leaked email from Dr. Mwangangi has added fuel to the fire. In the email, she admits that SHA has not processed a single claim since it began operations.
She goes on to say that the delay is due to what she calls “ongoing system upgrades” and “verification checks” which have taken longer than expected.
She also warns in the email that the backlog has grown so large that it could take months to clear even if payments start immediately.
Dr. Mwangangi writes that “several facilities have stopped seeing patients under SHA cover” and she urges the Ministry of Health to “consider emergency measures” to keep hospitals open.
SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwagangi gestures during a past media presser. Photo: Ministry of Health Source: Facebook
Critics say the email shows that SHA leadership has known about the crisis for months but failed to inform the public.
On Friday, August 8, 2025, the matter brought tension between the media and the government when a Journalist from Nation Media Group asked CS Duale about the crisis.
Instead of answering the questions, he told them to open their own medical facility if they wanted to be part of SHA.
The incident has sparked a debate with various media practitioners accusing Aden Duale of being drunk with power.
CS Duale has also admitted that a recent digital audit found fraud involving healthcare providers in several counties.
This has led to the suspension of some health facilities. While the aim may be to fight corruption, it has also made it harder for patients to get treatment.
The scandal is now raising serious questions about whether SHA can deliver on its promise to give Kenyans quality and affordable healthcare.
Many say the government needs to act fast to fix the mess, pay the bills and restore public trust.
For now, the public is left to watch as leaders trade words while patients continue to suffer.
