Governors clash with Health Ministry, demand Ksh10.3B SHA payout and control over health facilities nationwide

Governors have renewed their push for greater control of the health sector, demanding the immediate release of Ksh10.3 billion owed to counties by the Social Health Authority (SHA).

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, September 29, after the 28th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), the Council of Governors (CoG) accused SHA of dragging its feet on verified claim reimbursements dating back to 2024.

The county bosses warned that the delayed payments have crippled public health facilities, forcing counties to divert development funds and local revenue to cover essential health services.

“The Council expressed concern over delayed SHA claim reimbursements to County Governments, which had led to operational strain in public health facilities. Accordingly, the Council directed SHA to settle the outstanding Ksh10.3 billion in verified claims and, in collaboration with the Council of Governors, establish a structured reimbursement framework to ensure the sustainability of County health services,” the CoG said in part.

The governors further demanded that the Ministry of Health grant counties direct authority to register health facilities, including those offering adolescent and maternal care, to cut delays in opening new clinics and maternity units.

They also called for the distribution of 1,200 digital tablets to primary health care facilities to fast-track claim processing, alongside regular training for county health officials struggling with SHA’s digital system.

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who chairs the CoG Health Committee, also criticized the ministry’s move to absorb more than 7,000 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff into permanent and pensionable terms, saying the decision went against agreed frameworks between the two levels of government.

According to Njuki, staff absorption should only proceed after resources have been allocated in line with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) scale, and once payroll responsibilities have been transferred to county governments.

The governors warned that unless the national government acts swiftly, strained relations risk derailing the delivery of critical health services and undermining Kenya’s universal health care goals.