Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has moved to defend the Social Health Authority (SHA) following public backlash over remarks made by Garissa Governor Nadhif Jama in a widely circulated video involving a sick woman seeking assistance.
A short video showing a public official handing out Sh1,000 to a woman seeking help has ignited a heated national debate over the cost of living, public health services, and the role of state institutions in Kenya’s healthcare system.
On social media, the reaction was immediate and divided.
“What is Sh1,000 in this economy?” one user wrote, capturing a sentiment echoed widely online. Another dismissed the gesture as out of touch: “Sh1000 is consultation only. Are these people so high that they have detached themselves from the reality on the ground?”
Others pushed for deeper structural change. “When will they understand that we want working institutions not handouts?” a user posted, reflecting growing frustration with individualised forms of assistance.
But not all voices condemned the exchange. Some defended the official in the video, arguing that the clip was being misread and stripped of context. One user said the money was meant to help the woman travel for medical care rather than replace institutional support. “So you guys will pretend there is no context here… the Sh1000 is fare,” the user wrote.
As the debate intensified, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stepped in to address the controversy, saying the Ministry of Health had taken note of public concern raised by the viral clip.
In a statement, he reaffirmed that the Social Health Authority (SHA) remains central to Kenya’s universal health coverage agenda.
“The ministry wishes to reaffirm that the Social Health Authority remains a key pillar of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda and continues to facilitate access to healthcare services for millions of Kenyans,” the statement read.
CS Duale said the conversation triggered by the video had raised broader questions about SHA’s effectiveness, but insisted the program remains operational and committed to affordable care.
He also cited funding flows to counties as evidence of ongoing implementation. Garissa County alone, he said, has received more than Sh1.65 billion through different SHA-linked programmes. These include Sh1.264 billion under the Social Health Insurance Fund, Sh155.9 million for primary healthcare, Sh10.2 million for emergency and critical illness support, and Sh220.8 million under a health fund management programme.
“These resources are intended to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to quality medical services,” the ministry said.
CS Duale added that dignity in healthcare must remain central to reforms, urging responsible public discourse as the government continues to roll out the system.
“The ministry remains committed to working with counties and partners to ensure no citizen is left behind,” he said
The episode comes as SHA, launched in October 2024, faces sustained scrutiny over service delivery gaps and public understanding of its benefits. While government officials insist the system is expanding access to care, critics say implementation challenges continue to undermine confidence.
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