KENYA: No Corruption In Social Health Authority Under My watch – Ruto Assures Kenyans

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

Kenyan President William Ruto, has assured Kenyans that corruption will not infiltrate the Social Health Authority (SHA) during his administration.

The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to eradicating graft across all sectors, including healthcare, to ensure taxpayers get value for their money.

He noted that SHA was specifically designed to address the corruption challenges that previously undermined the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

“I want to assure the country that the challenges of fraud and corruption that bedevilled the NHIF will never be part of our universal healthcare plan as long as I am in charge,” he stated.

President Ruto made the remarks during the official opening of the Kilifi International Investment Conference in Vipingo, Kilifi County, on Thursday.

Responding to allegations of malpractice in the procurement of the National Equipment Service Programme, he clarified that the process was conducted transparently in collaboration with county governments.

“There is no obligation on any county to get equipment from any supplier. There is also no single supplier; there are seven suppliers,” he added, emphasizing that counties have the freedom to choose equipment that suits their needs.

The Head of State commended the Kilifi County International Investment Conference, noting that it underscored counties’ growing importance as drivers of Kenya’s socio-economic transformation.

He highlighted ongoing flagship projects, including Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Busia, Eldoret, Murang’a, and Kirinyaga, which are over halfway complete. Additionally, the government has approved 39 Special Economic Zones, 10 of which are at the Coast, to attract investments, stimulate growth, and create jobs.

“The government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure that all counties across Kenya harness their unique endowments and capitalise on their undeniable potential to attract investment and emerge as powerful engines of national growth and development,” he said.

President Ruto urged citizens to use digital platforms for positive and productive purposes, such as e-commerce and content creation, to unlock employment opportunities for the youth.

He also announced that the Division of Revenue Bill had been signed into law, allocating Ksh.387 billion in shared revenue to counties, with a pledge to ensure timely disbursements to enhance service delivery.

The conference was attended by notable leaders, including Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Cabinet Secretaries Salim Mvurya (Trade) and Hassan Joho (Mining), and Governors Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi), Fatuma Achani (Kwale), and Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa).

Trade Cabinet Secretary Mvurya emphasized the government’s commitment to infrastructure development to attract investors, while Mining Cabinet Secretary Joho highlighted Kilifi’s untapped potential in the mining sector.