CS Duale meets Bishop Obanyi, resolve St Mary’s Mumias Hospital SHA claims dispute

The government and the leadership of St Mary’s Mumias Mission Hospital have resolved critical issues regarding the settlement of Social Health Authority (SHA) claims, assuring residents that the facility remains operational despite recent challenges.

Speaking in Kakamega after a meeting with Kakamega Catholic Diocese Bishop Joseph Obanyi, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale confirmed that the government and SHA had agreed on a clear roadmap to clear outstanding claims and sustain uninterrupted services at the hospital.

“The Social Health Authority has already paid St Mary’s Sh98 million in pending bills since last December. A further Sh14 million will be released in the coming weeks as soon as the necessary documentation is submitted,” said CS Duale.

"I want to ask those speaking at funerals that this weekend they must look for a different agenda because Mumias will not be on the table for politics since we have resolved all the issues," the CS said.

"If they continue, I will meet them at the funerals head-on. We are committed to transparency and accountability in providing affordable and world-class healthcare."

The CS explained that SHA was addressing claims across different facility levels in Kakamega, including Sh72 million for primary healthcare (PHC) services, and Sh166 million for the hospital’s Level 5 services.

An initial disbursement of Sh100 million is scheduled for September 14.

Addressing the press outside Governor Fernandes Barasa's office after the meeting with bishop Obanyi, Duale defended SHA’s reforms, insisting that the new system is designed to protect public funds from abuse.

“We have a watertight and solid system. You cannot steal even a Panadol from a health facility under the SHA. We are ready and willing to answer any question because accountability is at the core of this system,” he said.

The CS also noted that legacy claims inherited from the defunct NHIF, amounting to about Sh5.3 billion, would be settled within two months, pending parliamentary approval of a supplementary budget.

“NHIF was a den of corruption. That is why we shut it down. We must verify every shilling before payment,” he added.

On his part, Bishop Obanyi acknowledged that delays in claim disbursements had triggered a staff strike at St Mary’s but expressed confidence that the new arrangement would restore stability.

“We have held fruitful discussions, and we now understand where we are. The Sh34 million pending will help us clear salary arrears, while an additional Sh10 million is under verification. We are committed to continued engagement with SHA for the benefit of our people,” said the Bishop.

He added that collaboration between the Church, government, and SHA was vital in ensuring access to affordable care.

“SHA is a good idea that will benefit all Kenyans. When we collaborate together, we will have a bigger impact for the good of the people we are called to serve.”

The CS further announced that once St Mary’s reopens fully, it will be stocked with medicines and host a free medical camp to benefit the local community.