Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has raised concern over what he termed as a worrying rise in unnecessary Caesarean section (C-section) deliveries, driven by greed among some health facilities seeking higher payouts from the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking in Tharaka Nithi on Tuesday, December 16, during a strategic health engagement, Duale accused some hospitals of prioritising financial gain over the health and safety of expectant mothers.
He cited a case involving a private hospital where, out of 100 women who went to give birth, 93 reportedly delivered through C-section.
"A C-section is reimbursed at Sh30,000 while a normal delivery attracts Sh10,000. So women are being operated on because of money. No, we will not agree to this," Duale stated.
The CS warned that the government would not tolerate exploitation of patients or misuse of public health funds, stressing that medical decisions must be guided strictly by professional and ethical standards, not profit.
Duale also raised concerns over fraudulent use of health insurance cards, highlighting incidents where individuals attempted to use SHA cards belonging to other people, some deceased.
He cited a case in which a person tried to use his brother's insurance card, but was intercepted.
Duale commended a Nairobi hospital for reporting the attempted fraud to authorities, noting that such cooperation is essential to safeguard the integrity of the health system.
"There is a squad within the DCI that deals specifically with medical fraud. There is a serious social problem in Kenya when it comes to integrity. You cannot eat money meant for patients. We will not accept it," the CS stated.
The CS reaffirmed the government's commitment to cracking down on medical fraud and ensuring the SHA benefits reach the intended beneficiaries, while protecting patients from unethical medical practices.
SHA fraud has been a major challenge to the government's health insurance, with the ministry actively fighting it.
Earlier in August 2025, Duale announced the suspension of over 40 healthcare facilities and the closure of over 1000 non-compliant facilities nationwide.
During the Tharaka Nithi meeting, the health ministry urged locals to register under SHA.
Since its inception in 2023, the social health authority has registered over 27 million Kenyans as of November 2025, with the program witnessing rapid growth in 2025. Aggressive governments' rollout drives the growth, expanded benefits, and mandatory service requirements.
