Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has raised concerns over the management of a Ksh172 million payment made to the Social Health Authority (SHA) by Kang’ata Care, a county health insurance programme initiated by Governor Irungu Kang’ata.
In a statement to the Senate Standing Committee on Health, Nyutu demanded a comprehensive explanation of how the funds have been utilised, including a detailed breakdown of households that have benefited from the programme. He stressed that transparency and accountability are essential in ensuring the initiative delivers on its promises.
“The people of Murang’a deserve transparency on how these funds are being used,” Nyutu said. “Kang’ata Care was launched to ease the burden of healthcare costs for poor households, but we must ensure that every shilling reaches the intended beneficiaries.”
Launched in 2023, Kang’ata Care is a partnership between the Murang’a County Government and a local insurance provider aimed at offering inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and last-expense benefits to vulnerable families. Under the scheme, the county pays annual premiums per household to ensure that residents have access to affordable and quality healthcare.
Senator Nyutu’s inquiry seeks clarity on several key issues, including the total number of households currently covered, the number of last expense claims paid through the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and those still pending after the NHIF’s transition to SHA.
He also questioned the county’s contribution per household, the cost-sharing arrangements for last expense payments, and the specific terms of the agreement between the county and the local insurer.
“This is not about politics; it is about accountability and service delivery,” the Senator emphasised. “The residents of Murang’a have placed their trust in this programme, and it is our duty to ensure that trust is not misplaced.”
In December 2024, Murang’a County signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SHA to provide comprehensive health coverage to 31,416 indigent and vulnerable households. The package includes inpatient, outpatient, maternity, emergency, and chronic illness care through contracted healthcare providers within the county.
While Nyutu acknowledged that Kang’ata Care is a progressive step toward achieving universal health coverage, he insisted that strong oversight mechanisms must be in place to prevent mismanagement and ensure the funds genuinely improve healthcare access.
“Proper supervision is vital to guarantee that Kang’ata Care remains a beacon of hope for vulnerable families, not a source of controversy,” he concluded.
