The Social Health Authority (SHA) has refuted claims that it wired Sh20 million to a non-existent hospital in Homa Bay County, insisting that the payment was made to a legitimate facility in Nyandiwa. The controversy arose following media reports suggesting that millions of shillings had been disbursed to a “ghost hospital,” sparking concerns over mismanagement and corruption within the authority.
SHA officials clarified that the funds in question were directed to Nyandiwa Sub-County Hospital, a functioning health facility that has been operational for years and continues to serve thousands of residents in the region. The authority explained that the allegations may have stemmed from confusion over records and reporting errors that misrepresented the nature of the transaction.
According to SHA, all payments are processed through strict verification procedures to ensure accountability and transparency. The agency maintained that its systems are designed to prevent the diversion of public resources and dismissed the claims of fictitious hospitals as unfounded.
The issue has, however, drawn attention from civil society groups and county leaders who have demanded further investigations to ensure that taxpayers’ money is being used responsibly. Critics argue that the incident highlights the importance of tightening oversight and conducting regular audits, especially in light of ongoing concerns about corruption in the healthcare sector.
Residents of Homa Bay, many of whom rely on Nyandiwa Sub-County Hospital for primary healthcare services, expressed relief that the facility had not been misrepresented. Local leaders called for calm, urging stakeholders not to politicize the matter but to focus on strengthening healthcare delivery.
The SHA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with county governments to improve healthcare access and dismissed what it termed as “misleading narratives” that undermine trust in public institutions. It also pledged to improve its communication with the public to avoid misunderstandings in the future.
The clarification comes at a time when Kenya’s healthcare system is under pressure from underfunding, allegations of mismanagement, and rising demands for quality service delivery. For now, the authority insists that the Sh20 million was properly accounted for and used to support health services at Nyandiwa Sub-County Hospital.
