Premium

Why health scheme is on its deathbed

Insiders are warning that the healthcare scheme is spending far more than it collects.

By Mercy Kahenda 10 days ago

Governors clash with KMPDC over mandatory ambulance registration

The Council termed the directive unconstitutional and an encroachment on devolved functions, as health is devolved.

By Mercy Kahenda 10 days ago

Premium

DCI probes 31 hospitals for ghost patients in Sh691m SHA scam

The DCI began investigating the facilities after being granted approval by the Chief Magistrate Court at the Milimani Law Courts.

By Mercy Kahenda 10 days ago

Experts: Half of STI cases in Kenya go unnoticed, untreated

Kenya is facing a silent STI pandemic, with many infections going undetected, driving rising infertility and increasing vulnerability to HIV.

By Mercy Kahenda 10 days ago

Premium

How Ruto's lofty UHC promise has gone up in the air

The Social Health Authority, established as the main UHC financier, has been plagued by financing gaps and graft allegations, raising questions about its long-term viability.

By Mercy Kahenda 13 days ago

Premium

The scandals, leadership changes that derail bid to step up health sector

The Health Ministry has so far had three Cabinet Secretaries since President William Ruto took office, none of whom have successfully brought the Kenya Kwanza's vision to life.

By Mercy Kahenda 13 days ago

Blood shortage crisis hits Nairobi hospitals

Nairobi has been the hardest hit due to the high number of patients seeking care, especially mothers who require blood during childbirth.

By Mercy Kahenda 15 days ago

Hong Kong legislature rejects same-sex partnerships bill

Hong Kong lawmakers rejected on Wednesday a bill that would have granted limited rights to same-sex couples.

By Mercy Kahenda, AFP 15 days ago

Premium

Why Somali patients are seeking kidney treatment in Kenya

Dr Matthew Kiptonui Koech, a nephrologist at Oak Tree Centre for Kidney and Chronic Diseases, told MPs that many Somali patients on dialysis in Mogadishu travel to Kenya in search of treatment.

By Mercy Kahenda 15 days ago

Kenya moves to stabilise HIV, TB services after funding shock

A new assessment by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) has revealed that Kenya has previously heavily relied on external support.

By Mercy Kahenda 15 days ago

Premium

Billions at risk as MPs uncover flaws in troubled SHA system

It is suspected that Sh24 billion could have been lost in the scheme through fraudulent claims.

By Mercy Kahenda 17 days ago

Premium

Experts warn untreated STIs fueling infertility, HIV in Kenya

At least half of those who test positive for STIs show no symptoms, a situation health officials say calls for urgent investment in routine screening and targeted treatment.

By Mercy Kahenda 17 days ago

Tax tobacco more to raise funds for cancer care, lobby groups plead

Githuka regretted that majority of cancer patients because of failure access to healthcare as a result of financial strain.

By Mercy Kahenda 17 days ago

Punish culprits not hospitals on admin lapses, urges Nyikal

Seme MP Dr James Nyikal has cautioned the Ministry of Health and Social Health Authority (SHA) against shutting down health facilities over administrative or management lapses.

By Mercy Kahenda 19 days ago

Premium

Pressure piles on DCI, Duale to name SHA fraud suspects

Stakeholders argue that the Ministry of Health is controlling the narrative around the scandal, guiding investigative agencies on what to look into.

By Mercy Kahenda and Hudson Gumbihi 20 days ago

Premium

From Kagwe to Duale, why SHA scam is deep-rooted rot

A probe into a suspected Sh24 billion Social Health Authority (SHA) fraud has reopened old wounds at the Ministry of Health, that has long been branded a hotbed of corruption.

By Mercy Kahenda 21 days ago

Polio champion set to take over as Rotary International president

Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, a Rotary member for more than 30 years, will become the second African to lead Rotary International

By Mercy Kahenda 21 days ago

Premium

CS or sleuth? Duale hands SHA fraud files to DCI amid uproar

Aden Duale has insisted taxpayers' money has been stolen in the Social Health Authority scam, but he has yet to quantify the losses.

By Mercy Kahenda 23 days ago

Six out of 10 civil servants struggle with mental health, Public Service ministry warns

Nearly six out of 10 public servants in Kenya are struggling with mental health challenges, a new report has revealed, raising concerns over productivity and the well-being of government employees.

By Mercy Kahenda 24 days ago

Kenya secures historic win to host global forestry congress

The announcement places Nairobi at the centre of global forestry dialogue, drawing scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world.

By Mercy Kahenda 24 days ago

Tax junk foods to tackle NCDs rise, experts urge State

Taxation of harmful products, they say, offers a double win - discouraging poor diets while funding health programmes.

By Mercy Kahenda 24 days ago

Efficiency, local financing key to Kenya's healthcare sustainability, experts say

Kenya must rethink how it finances and delivers healthcare to communities to ensure sustainability, especially as foreign aid dwindles, health experts have warned.

By Mercy Kahenda 25 days ago

Premium

Sh24 billion feared lost after SHA system collapses

It has now emerged that the collapse of the multi-billion shilling health system could have gone down with about Sh24 billion.

By Mercy Kahenda 27 days ago

Calls mount on CS Duale to resign over SHA scam

Sources say individual interests have marred top-level decision making. CS Duale accused of overstepping his mandate by managing health agencies.

By Mercy Kahenda 28 days ago

Premium

Pressure mounts on Duale to take responsibility over SHA fraud

RUPHA claims SHA laxity allows fraudulent hospitals to steal funds. Leaders urge EACC to investigate and prosecute all responsible individuals.

By Mercy Kahenda 29 days ago

Maraga wants EACC to probe SHA payments saga

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has called on the EACC to investigate the Social Health Authority payments fiasco, where billions of shillings have allegedly been lost.

By Mercy Kahenda 30 days ago

Premium

SHA promised quality medical care, but it bleeds taxpayers' funds

While majority of Kenyans struggle to access quality health care, billions of taxpayers' money is being lost under the new health scheme that was meant to improve access to medical care.

By Mercy Kahenda 30 days ago

SHA pulls down payment list from website as saga deepens

The Kenya Master Health Facility Registry (KMHFR) was also disabled, making it difficult for the public to verify hospital details and track payments.

By Mercy Kahenda 30 days ago

Premium

Revealed: How ghost hospitals are paid billions as real ones denied cash

The Ministry of Health is once again under scrutiny after revelations that ghost hospitals received payouts from Social Health Authority.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

Premium

Why SHA health scheme locks out teenage mothers

Teenage pregnancy remains the leading cause of death among girls aged 15 to 19. Although SHA is supposed to cater for delivery costs, many families can't afford the annual premium.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

Confusion in SHA rollout leaves adolescent mothers struggling

Teenage mothers are entitled to a dedicated package of services under the new health insurance scheme.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

Premium

Heartbreak for stranded families as State freezes overseas treatment

Five-year-old boy in danger after donor withdrew funding after the Health ministry suspended service.Some patients have already travelled and booked flight after clearance by SHA.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

Doctors now accuse insurance firms of undermining healthcare

Doctors have faulted insurance companies for interference in healthcare delivery, accusing them of acting like "chief controllers" of the system.

By Mercy Kahenda and Maryann Muganda 1 month ago

Doctors accuse insurance companies of dictating patient's choice of hospitals

Last week, at least 12 insurance firms suspended services at The Nairobi's hospital alleging hike in charges for diagnostic and treatment.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

Why SHA has closed all regional offices

The Social Health Authority has shut all its sub-county and regional branches, including seven offices in Nairobi, inherited from the defunct NHIF.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

Majority of Kenyans suffering from undetected diseases, experts warn

Pokea Afya Foundation CEO Margaret Muiyuro said illnesses including high blood pressure, diabetes, and eye complications go unnoticed until they reach advanced stages.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

Premium

Devolution status: Why counties are struggling to run health systems

Devolved governance came with hope as hospitals were built and equipped, and drugs stocked.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

Mentor father Kennedy Kamau leads men back to lifesaving HIV care

Kennedy Kamau's mission at the Chronic Care Center (CCC) formally referred to as Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC) goes beyond dispensing anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

How women empowerment improves children's future

Empowering women with resources and opportunities not only enhances their own well-being but also significantly improves children's health and community development.

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago

Advanced HIV: Silent killer behind surge in AIDS deaths, suffering

The virus weakened her body, leaving her vulnerable to TB and meningitis, infections that eventually claimed her life

By Mercy Kahenda 1 month ago