The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (Rupha) has strongly criticised Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over the billions of shillings allegedly owed by the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
In a statement issued on October 31, Rupha disclosed that various government ministries, departments, and agencies owe the now-defunct insurer a staggering Ksh13.8 billion. According to the association, Ksh12.8 billion represents accumulated unpaid premiums as of September 30, 2024.
Leading the list of defaulters is the Ministry of Health (MoH), which reportedly owes Ksh7.8 billion. The debt, Rupha stated, includes Ksh1 billion under the Health Insurance Subsidy Program for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (HISP-OVC), Ksh289 million for Older Persons and Persons with Severe Disabilities, Ksh2.1 billion for the Linda Mama maternal health program, and Ksh4 billion related to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Other major debtors include the Ministry of Public Service, which allegedly owes Ksh3 billion for civil servant medical covers, and the Ministry of Interior, which owes Ksh1.6 billion for the National Police Service/Kenya Police Service Medical Cover.
Rupha further revealed that government parastatals and county governments have also failed to settle their dues. Parastatals collectively owe Ksh60.5 million, while counties owe Ksh804.5 million.
The association warned that the delayed payments are straining health facilities nationwide, threatening service delivery and the sustainability of medical programs. It urged all ministries and agencies to clear their outstanding debts immediately to ensure continuity of health services.
“Money owed to the defunct NHIF by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies as at September 30, 2024, remains a serious concern,” Rupha’s statement read. “It is instructive to note that the Ministry of Health owes the lion’s share at Ksh7.8 billion, followed by the Ministry of Public Service at Ksh3.47 billion.”
In a bold challenge to the Health CS, Rupha posed a pointed question: “So, Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health, when is your Ministry settling its Ksh7.8 billion debt? This is enough to support 91% of all hospitals in Kenya.”
The association’s remarks highlight growing frustrations within the private healthcare sector over unpaid government obligations, which threaten to undermine Kenya’s universal health coverage ambitions.
