Activist Francis Awino has filed a case in the Kiambu High Court challenging the legality of Kenya's new health funding system that includes the Social Health Authority.
Awino argues that activities such as contribution deductions, processing of medical claims and management of member benefits are being carried out without following the law and required transparency.
He states that these operations amount to insurance business and require explicit legal authorization. Parties named in the suit include the Ministry of Health, the National Treasury, SHA, the Digital Health Authority, the Public Service Commission and the Teachers Service Commission.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye has directed all parties to file their documents by May 8, 2026 with responses expected before May 22, 2026. The case is scheduled to be mentioned again on June 9, 2026 for further directions. Awino also seeks orders to suspend implementation of the system until the matter is heard and determined.