SHA chief dismissal, board member resignation cast shadow over health scheme
The dismissal of Social Health Authority’s (SHA) acting CEO Dr Elijah Wachira, and the resignation of board member Dr Zakayo Kariuki Gichuki, who chaired the Strategy and Operations Committee, have deepened concerns about the stability and effectiveness of Kenya’s new health insurance scheme.
Since its launch over a month ago, SHA has faced a wave of public complaints, with many Kenyans reportedly forced to pay out-of-pocket for medical services despite making mandatory SHA contributions.
On Tuesday, Dr Wachira was suspended for 90 days pending an investigation, a move seen as a tacit acknowledgment by the government that issues within SHA are serious. His suspension supports reports of inadequate healthcare access for patients and health providers’ hesitation to accept SHA coverage under the new scheme.
The SHA chairman, Dr Abdi Mohammed, did not disclose specifics on Wachira’s suspension, but sources indicate it may stem from allegations of mismanaging the transition.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing “boardroom politics” ostensibly aimed at sector reform, yet SHA’s rollout has clearly fallen short of public expectations.
Before SHA’s October 1st rollout, several red flags emerged: calls for additional preparation time, multiple launch delays, last-minute leadership changes, and the sudden phasing out of the long-established National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Private hospitals voiced their reluctance to accept SHA patients, citing substantial unpaid debts left by NHIF.
Additionally, SHA’s Healthcare Management Information System—reportedly costing Sh104 billion—remains incomplete, with explanations on its functionality offering little reassurance to the public.
SHA’s role is immense, managing contributions from households nationwide at a mandatory 2.75% of income. Only the Kenya Revenue Authority oversees a larger pool of public funds, heightening scrutiny on SHA’s preparedness and accountability.
Dr Gichuki’s resignation as Strategy and Operations Committee chair, just days before Dr Wachira’s suspension, raises further questions.
Strategy and Operations is arguably SHA’s most pivotal board committee, signalling the significance of Gichuki’s departure.
Other board committees include the Audit Committee led by Jacinta Mutegi, HR and Governance chaired by Dr Patrick Amoth, and Finance chaired by Gerald Macharia.
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