Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has dismissed claims by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura that defaulters of the Hustler Fund will be denied access to services under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Duale termed Mwaura’s remarks as misleading, insisting that all Kenyans are entitled to SHA services as long as they make the required payments.
“The information being circulated is inaccurate. All Kenyans have a right to access SHA services, regardless of their engagement with the Hustler Fund,” Duale said.
The CS’s remarks appeared to contradict Mwaura, who on Monday, June 23, 2025, stated that the Sh6 billion disbursed through the Hustler Fund was a significant government investment and must be repaid in full.
“If you took the Hustler Fund and failed to pay, there are mechanisms to ensure you do not benefit from SHA services. Six billion shillings is a lot of money,” Mwaura had said.
He added that those who are not defaulters, but are unable to afford SHA contributions, can borrow from the Hustler Fund to cover their annual health payments and repay the loan in instalments.
Mwaura encouraged Kenyans to enrol in the SHA “Lipa Pole Pole” plan to access health coverage, and noted that registration was already underway.
He also explained that the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) had been shut down due to an unsustainable debt burden.
Addressing concerns about benefit access, Mwaura clarified that all registered individuals who make SHA payments—whether annually or monthly—will receive the same benefits.
He further stated that even new enrollees who make minimal contributions will be eligible for coverage.
Separately, Mwaura addressed the planned nationwide protests set for June 25, dismissing them as an attempt to incite chaos, destabilise the government, and damage property.
“Today, I offered clarification regarding the security situation and the planned demonstrations. I firmly stated that there will be no protests on June 25. It will be a normal working day. Anyone wishing to commemorate the day is free to do so from the comfort of their home,” he said.
He reiterated that the police have a duty to provide security to all citizens and must do so impartially, without political interference.
