By Kimberly Kalusi The Social Health Authority (SHA) is under fire after revelations that billions of shillings were irregularly paid to non-existent hospitals, while genuine facilities continue to struggle with unpaid claims. The scandal has ignited fury online, with Kenyans taking to X (formerly Twitter) to demand answers and action.

Health  Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has also weighed in, calling for a swift investigation to unearth those behind the fraudulent payments. “This is theft of the highest order. Public money meant to save lives cannot be looted this recklessly. I am calling for a full investigation to ensure the culprits face the law,” Duale stated.

Kenyans online expressed their anger using the hashtag #SHAScandal, accusing powerful individuals of looting the health sector.

“Imagine ghost hospitals being paid millions while real patients are turned away in public facilities. This is not just corruption, it’s murder by negligence,” one user wrote.

“SHA has outdone NHIF. Billions lost, hospitals unpaid, and patients dying. Health care in Kenya has officially become a money-minting scheme,” another posted.

“Ghost hospitals, ghost payments, ghost accountability! Who is pocketing this money? Kenyans deserve transparency,” added another user.

The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA) has already flagged over 600 facilities with unpaid claims dating back to November 2023, warning that the ballooning debt could cripple Kenya’s health sector.

With public trust in the new universal health scheme rapidly eroding, pressure is mounting on the government to act decisively and restore confidence in a system already under heavy scrutiny.

another user said,”And this is Tumticha Medical Centre, registered this year. According to SHA records, in April, it received a total of KSh 1.5 million, much more than even the sub-county hospital in the area. But remember, this is just a single-room facility that doesn’t handle any complex procedures, not even basic lab tests. What’s shocking is that MoH still gave it a license and considered it worthy of being called a hospital. I’m providing the SHA records below.”

I told you, Tunaibiwa. ( In Homabay) According to MoH, there is a hospital here called Divine Sparkle Medical Centre in Rangwe, Homa Bay. I had two people in Rangwe yesterday try to locate it, but they couldn’t find it. This hospital received KSh 2.8 million from SHA in June, yet in April it had only received KSh 7,000 that’s more than some sub-county hospitals in the area. If you’re in Rangwe, please visit Lambwe Junction and confirm again. Take pictures too. The people I sent yesterday say the building there is owned by Lambwe Farmers Sacco. The back section is just a residential area, and the next closed door is a shop. The looting under SHA is massive. I’m attaching all the records below.

Duale insist that they can account for all sh 39billion allocated to hospital as they have bank accounts.

He said those been flagged were suspended in the month of May or downgraded in different counties including Madera Conty,Nairobi County and Bungoma county.