Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has shown she does not know much about how Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA) operates.
Recent reports reveal that businessman Jayesh Saini has been controlling the country’s healthcare system from behind the scenes.
Hospitals are refusing to treat patients because the government hasn’t paid them back the money they owe, and many Kenyans are unhappy about unfair salary deductions.
Instead of giving clear answers, Barasa has been vague and avoids questions, which raises doubts about her ability to do her job well.
Despite being in charge of health, Barasa does not seem to understand what SHA does, making people wonder who really is in control.
The Auditor General, Nancy Gathungu, has revealed that the government does not own the SHA digital platform; a private company led by Saini is actually in charge.
When Barasa appeared before the Senate, she could not explain who owns SHA or address claims that Kenyans are facing illegal salary deductions. Instead, she said, “I believe the president addressed that yesterday,” avoiding a straight answer.
Senators pressed her further. Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah questioned how Universal Health Coverage (UHC) could be funded through premiums, not taxes, as is normally done worldwide.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka observed that Barasa seemed confused and suggested she needs more time to prepare. Kitui Senator Enock Wambua also expressed disappointment with Barasa’s answers, saying she should return to a full House committee for better questioning.
Whistleblower reports claim that Jayesh Saini, a private businessman, is running Kenya’s health system from his offices on Museum Hill while government officials remain unaware.
Saini’s control over SHA and its finances has raised serious concerns about corruption and unfair practices.
Lawmakers, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, are calling for SHA and SHIF to be declared illegal operations.
“Can we shut down SHA and SHIF? They seem to help only a few people,” Sifuna suggested.
With healthcare facilities turning away patients because the government hasn’t paid them and workers protesting salary cuts, Kenyans are left wondering who is really in charge of their health system.
