A hospital director from Kakamega County has been charged with defrauding the Social Health Authority (SHA) of Ksh2.5 million through fake medical claims. Investigations reveal he manipulated health documents to obtain the funds. The case highlights the intensifying crackdown on fraud in Kenya's healthcare sector.
A hospital director from Kakamega County has been charged by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) with defrauding the Social Health Authority (SHA) of Ksh2.5 million through the submission of manipulated health documents to support fraudulent claims. Investigators state that the suspect fabricated false representations and altered medical records to unlawfully obtain the funds. The hospital in question had not been authorised to provide inpatient and maternal health services, yet claims related to such services were submitted and paid out.
Prosecutors contend that this indicates deliberate misrepresentation to exploit vulnerabilities in the claims processing system. The accused faces multiple charges, including obtaining money by false pretences under Section 313 of the Penal Code, falsification of health documents contrary to Section 48(5) of the SHA Act, and acquiring and using proceeds of crime under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act. He denied all charges when they were read in court.
In mitigation, the defence argued that the accused is not a flight risk, as he did not resist arrest and cooperated with investigators. His lawyer also highlighted health concerns, noting that the suspect is diabetic and may not receive proper dietary care in custody, urging the court to grant bond.
After hearing submissions, the court ordered a bail report to be prepared, with a ruling on bond and bail terms to be delivered on Monday. In the meantime, the suspect was remanded at Industrial Area Prison.
This case arises amid heightened investigations into widespread fraud targeting the SHA, following the transition from the former National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) system. Authorities have identified patterns such as fake medical records, inflated billing, upcoding, double charging, and claims for “phantom patients” who never received treatment. More than 40 health facilities nationwide have been suspended, and several doctors and clinical officers have lost access to the SHA platform.
The Ministry of Health and DCI have warned that individuals and facilities involved in defrauding SHA will face prosecution, emphasizing that such practices threaten the sustainability of universal healthcare. Measures like biometric verification and stricter audits are being implemented to prevent abuse, as the government aims to restore public trust in the national health financing system.
