A growing number of leaders are calling for swift action against individuals accused of defrauding Kenya’s Social Health Insurance Scheme (SHA), amid renewed focus on public accountability and economic empowerment efforts across the country.
Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi on Tuesday urged the government to prosecute all those found culpable in the ongoing SHA scandal.
Her remarks follow the submission of 1,188 case files and related evidence by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
“We demand immediate action from investigative agencies to ensure those involved are brought to justice,” said Siyoi.
Siyoi also stressed the need for county governments to prioritize fully operational, well-stocked, and adequately equipped healthcare facilities to meet public demand.
She was speaking during an economic empowerment funds drive held at Kitale National Polytechnic, where local fish vendors and mechanics received financial support to boost their businesses.
Kajiado Woman Representative Fatuma Sankaore defended economic empowerment programs, saying they are designed to uplift marginalized groups, especially women.
“We will continue supporting initiatives that align with the President’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” said Sankaore.
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga urged beneficiaries to use the allocated funds wisely to achieve long-term economic gains.
“It is essential that these resources are put to effective use. Let beneficiaries use the funds to acquire relevant tools of trade” she said.
Migori Woman Representative Doris Donya called for stronger collaboration between the national and county governments to address challenges facing local communities.
Dagoreti MP Beatrice Elachi condemned divisive politics and called for greater inclusivity in the political landscape. “Those who seek to divide us are doing a disservice to the people. We must embrace unity and collaboration,” she said.
Butere MP Tindi Mwale criticized opponents of President William Ruto’s administration, claiming they are more interested in limiting his leadership to a single term than in offering viable alternatives.
“They are focused only on destabilizing the nation, while we are moving forward with concrete plans to build a better future for all Kenyans,” Mwale said.
Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi and Kiminini MP Kakai Bissau also addressed the gathering, calling for a united national agenda that prioritizes citizens’ needs over political rivalry.
“The time has come to set aside divisions and focus on serving the people,” said Wanyonyi.