Gov’t Responds To Reports Of Civil Servants’ SHA Lockout
The Ministry of Public Service has refuted recent rumors that civil servants will lose access to healthcare services through the Social Health Authority’s insurance scheme.
Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku called these stories “grossly inaccurate” and cautioned that they could cause unneeded concern among public personnel and their families.
In a statement posted on Saturday, the ministry informed government servants that they would continue to receive medical care at all public hospitals, as well as recognized and contracted private and faith-based facilities around the country.
“No civil servant or eligible dependent is required to pay cash at any contracted healthcare facility,” CS Ruku emphasised.
Government dismisses reports that SHA services for civil servants suspended, Public Service CS Ruku says no cash payments are being demanded at contracted health facilities. pic.twitter.com/c5KmPm6nrc
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) August 9, 2025
He underlined that access to high-quality, seamless healthcare services is still guaranteed, as it has been for many years.
The ministry stressed that only hospitals that have been suspended owing to investigations into medical misconduct or failing to comply with Social Health Authority contracts are prohibited from providing medical services to all Kenyans.
These bans are part of continuous efforts to ensure the integrity and quality of healthcare provided through the insurance program.
CS Ruku informed civil servants and their families that their healthcare services will continue uninterrupted and that their welfare is properly protected.
The message sought to allay worries and provide clarification in the face of widespread misconceptions about the matter.
The government’s hard stance comes after 40 health facilities were suspended for alleged fraud, a move that Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described as critical to protecting the system.
“Any doctor or health official involved in defrauding SHA will be held responsible,” Duale warned, adding that those implicated face investigations and possible license cancellations.
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) August 8, 2025
“We have suspended 40 health facilities found to be defrauding the SHA. These suspensions take effect immediately,” Duale said.
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“During the investigation period, these facilities will not receive any benefits from SHA, and we will surcharge them for the money lost.”
The CS also identified professionals who engaged in the malpractices and have since removed their data from the SHA system pending the outcome of the investigations.
“Any doctor or health official involved in defrauding SHA will be held responsible. We will hand over all the hospitals and the 12 health officials to the DCI for further investigations,” the CS added.
“Additionally, we have ordered the relevant regulatory bodies to cancel their licences.”
Gov’t Responds To Reports Of Civil Servants’ SHA Lockout
