The Social Health Authority (SHA) has warned Kenyans to be on guard against fraudsters posing as its officials and demanding money in exchange for faster access to health services.
The warning comes as more people enrol in the country’s public health insurance programme and healthcare providers seek accreditation under the scheme.
In a public notice, SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mercy Mwangangi said the authority had received reports of individuals falsely claiming to represent the agency. The suspects are said to be offering to speed up claims processing, registration, accreditation and other services for a fee.
“The Social Health Authority has received reports of individuals falsely presenting themselves as SHA officers and offering to facilitate claims processing, payments, accreditation, registration, or other SHA services,” Mwangangi said.
She stressed that SHA does not charge members of the public to fast-track any service.
“SHA does not solicit money, gifts, commissions, or any form of payment to expedite services, approvals, claims, or payments. Any person demanding such facilitation is a fraudster,” she said.
The authority said all its services are provided only through official government channels. Registration, accreditation and claims-related services are available at SHA branch offices and Huduma Centres across the country.
Healthcare providers and beneficiaries have been urged to verify any communication claiming to come from SHA before acting on it or making any payment.
The agency also cautioned the public against anyone promising preferential treatment or quicker approvals in return for money.
“We urge healthcare providers, beneficiaries and members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid engaging individuals claiming to offer preferential treatment or expedited services on behalf of SHA,” the notice said.
Anyone who suspects fraud or impersonation has been asked to report the matter through SHA’s official reporting channels, including its dedicated email and toll-free helpline. Victims and witnesses are also encouraged to report such incidents to the police for investigation.
The warning highlights growing concerns over fraud targeting public institutions as more government services move online and attract increasing numbers of users. SHA says public vigilance remains one of the strongest safeguards against scammers seeking to exploit the authority’s name for personal gain.
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