Duale Hit Out At Garissa Governor Over ‘SHA Not Working’ Comments
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has quietly reacted to Garissa Governor Nathif Jama’s recent viral comments about the Social Health Authority.
Duale emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) throughout the country.
Duale talked during an inspection trip of the Balambala Sub-County Hospital project in Garissa.
Duale stated that the national government remains committed to ensuring fair access to quality healthcare services in all regions, particularly underserved communities.
The CS cited the ongoing building of the Balambala Sub-County Hospital as evidence of the government’s continued commitment to healthcare infrastructure.
Continued my working tour of Garissa County with an inspection of the ongoing construction of the Balambala Sub-County Hospital.
The facility, a 150-bed capacity hospital currently 70% complete, represents a significant upgrade in healthcare infrastructure for the region.… pic.twitter.com/4vqqNaRqzp— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) June 13, 2026
The 150-bed facility, which is currently 70 per cent complete, is expected to be upgraded to a Level 5 hospital upon completion.
According to the CS, the hospital will offer specialised outpatient and inpatient services, surgical care, maternity and newborn services, and enhanced diagnostic capabilities, significantly reducing the need for residents to travel outside the region for advanced treatment.
The facility is awaiting commissioning by President William Ruto once construction is finalised.
“The completion of the Balambala hospital will not only be a milestone for Garissa County and the larger North Eastern region but also a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage,” Duale stated.
Duale’s remarks came in the wake of Governor Nathif Jama’s controversial comments, where he appeared to openly question the effectiveness of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In the undated clip, the governor is seen giving an ailing woman Ksh1,000 before directing her to seek treatment at a private facility.
” Hakuna Mambo ya SHA hapa, we shika elfu moja uende utibiwe”- Garissa Governor Nathif Jama dismisses a sick woman, gives her KSh 1,000, and tells her to keep quiet and go to the hospital. pic.twitter.com/rJTlHGLGIe— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) June 6, 2026
“Go to doctor Amal and get treatment, there is no SHA here,” Nathif is heard saying.
His comments quickly went viral and fueled fresh criticism of both the county’s healthcare system and the rollout of SHA.
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The remarks drew backlash from several leaders, including Lagdera MP Abdikadir Hussein.
Hussein argued that healthcare service delivery falls under county governments and challenged the governor to focus on improving public health facilities.
“This means that services in public hospitals are so low,” Hussein said during a fundraiser in Bura Tana.
“Before he says SHA is not working, he should be responsible for the functions under him. You can’t blame SHA because of your own fault.”
On Saturday, June 13, Duale also directed the contractor to maintain quality standards and ensure the project is completed within the agreed-upon timelines.
He was accompanied during the inspection by Garissa County Executive Committee Member for Health, Ahmednadhir Omar and other local leaders.
Duale Hit Out At Garissa Governor Over ‘SHA Not Working’ Comments
