The Social Health Authority (SHA) has distanced itself from allegations linking it to deals with the Adani Group, emphasizing that its focus remains on enhancing healthcare digitization in Kenya. SHA Board Chair Abdi Mohammed clarified that the authority is not party to any contracts involving the Adani Group and that the digitization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) software is being handled by other entities under the Ministry of Health.
Mohammed’s statement follows growing political calls for President William Ruto to extend the cancellation of Adani Group’s deals to include alleged agreements with SHA. This comes after the President recently directed the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Petroleum to terminate all signed and pending deals with the Adani Group related to the takeover of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco).
Clarifications on Healthcare Digitization
Abdi Mohammed explained that SHA inherited a pre-existing contract between the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the service providers for the Health Insurance Claims System (HICS). The authority itself has not engaged in any new agreements with service providers for digitizing healthcare systems.
“The digitization contract being alluded to is between the Ministry of Health, Safaricom PLC, Apeiro Limited, and Konvergenz Network Solutions,” he clarified.
The digitization agenda is a cornerstone of Kenya’s UHC initiative, which aims to improve efficiency, enhance data portability, and minimize fraud in healthcare services. SHA collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Kenya Medical Supply Agency (KEMSA), 17 regulators such as the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, and healthcare providers, to advance the digitization agenda.
Mohammed dismissed the allegations linking SHA to Adani, attributing them to cartels seeking to undermine reforms in the healthcare sector. “SHA is probably being dragged into the alleged Adani deals by the cartels who were benefiting from NHIF at the expense of citizens,” he asserted.
Political Pressure Mounts
The controversy has sparked political reactions, with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka calling for the cancellation of alleged Adani-related deals within SHA. In a post on X, Musyoka stated, “It is not enough to cancel the Adani Group deals in JKIA and Ketraco; Adani is also in SHA/SHIF. Ruto should also cancel this deal immediately.”
The remarks have fueled scrutiny on SHA, even as it maintains that it has no involvement with the Adani Group.
Safaricom’s Investment in Healthcare
Meanwhile, Safaricom has clarified its role in the healthcare digitization efforts, revealing a partnership with Apeiro Limited and Konvergenz Network Solutions Limited for a KSh 104.8 billion Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System (IHTS).
The consortium, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, aims to streamline Kenya’s healthcare services through digitization over the next decade. The IHTS is expected to roll out fully by February 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s UHC agenda.
The project will involve digitizing healthcare processes, improving infrastructure, ensuring data security, and increasing efficiency in service delivery. The Ministry of Health has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the IHTS benefits all Kenyans by addressing challenges such as fraud, inefficiencies, and limited access to quality healthcare services.
Looking Ahead
As the SHA grapples with these allegations, the focus remains on the larger goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage. The ongoing digitization efforts are expected to transform Kenya’s healthcare sector, leveraging technology to address long-standing challenges.
With the Adani controversy adding political heat, the government faces the dual task of addressing public concerns while staying the course on healthcare reforms. As the February 2025 IHTS rollout approaches, all eyes will be on the Ministry of Health, SHA, and their partners to deliver on their promises of a more efficient and transparent healthcare system.
