The politics of SHA a year later: Health sector reform or rhetoric?

Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, IG Douglas Kanja, Health CS Adan Duale, SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi and DCI boss Mohamed Amin with over 1,188 case files and supporting evidence to be further probed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, marking a major milestone in the government’s efforts to protect public funds in the healthcare system /HANDOUT

Barely a month to its first anniversary, the Social Health Authority is engulfed in controversy, with questions emerging over its functionality amid deep-rooted political wrangles.

The attempted theft of Sh10 billion by unscrupulous hospitals, coupled with allegations of system failures and resistance from sections of the political class, has cast a shadow over the programme.

The controversies have triggered debate on whether SHA is a genuine health sector reform or just political rhetoric by the current administration.