Kenya, Aug. 9 -- On August 9, 2025, Embakasi East MP and High Court advocate Babu Owino lambasted the Kenyan government for the ongoing Social Health Authority (SHA) stalemate, which has forced civil servants to pay cash for hospital services.
According to a report by Nation Daily, the administrative and legislative confusion surrounding the SHA has led to delayed payments to healthcare facilities, prompting many private hospitals to reject SHA-covered patients and demand cash payments.
Owino, a vocal critic of government inefficiencies, called for swift resolution to prevent further strain on public servants and ensure access to affordable healthcare.
This SHA stalemate has sparked widespread concern about Kenya's healthcare system and the government's ability to manage public resources effectively.
The Nation Daily report highlighted that the SHA has failed to disburse payments to healthcare facilities since May 2025, causing significant disruptions in service delivery.
Private hospitals, facing financial strain, have increasingly turned away patients relying on SHA coverage, opting instead for cash payments. Civil servants, who form a significant portion of SHA beneficiaries, are now forced to bear out-of-pocket medical expenses, exacerbating financial burdens.
Netizens reflect public frustration, with users noting that while some government facilities received partial payments, most private hospitals remain unpaid, further limiting access to care.
Owino described the situation as a "betrayal of public trust," urging the government to address the administrative bottlenecks and prioritise healthcare funding.
The SHA, launched to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), was intended to streamline universal healthcare in Kenya. However, legislative ambiguities and administrative delays have hindered its implementation.
Babu Owino, leveraging his platform as both a politician and advocate, criticized the government for failing to honor its commitment to accessible healthcare.
"Civil servants should not be forced to pay cash in hospitals due to the state's incompetence," he stated during a press briefing outside Kahawa Law Courts.
The MP's remarks echo sentiments expressed in public forums, where Kenyans have voiced concerns about the government's handling of the healthcare transition.
The stalemate has broader implications for Kenya's healthcare system, with private facilities increasingly prioritizing cash-paying patients over those reliant on SHA coverage.
This shift has left many civil servants, including teachers and public sector workers, struggling to access medical care. The Nation Daily report noted that the SHA's failure to pay facilities promptly has led to a growing distrust in the system, with some hospitals threatening to exit the SHA network entirely.
Owino called for immediate government intervention, including the release of funds and clearer legislative guidelines to stabilize the program.
Public sentiment shows the urgency of resolving the SHA stalemate, with users highlighting the financial strain on civil servants and the potential collapse of universal healthcare goals.
Owino's advocacy has resonated with Kenyans, who see the issue as part of a broader pattern of mismanagement in public services.
The MP has vowed to push for parliamentary oversight to address the SHA's challenges, emphasizing that healthcare access is a fundamental right.
"We cannot allow civil servants to pay cash in hospitals while the government sits on solutions," he reiterated.
As the SHA stalemate persists, the government faces mounting pressure to act. The delay in payments not only affects civil servants but also undermines public confidence in the healthcare system.
Owino's call for accountability has sparked discussions about the need for structural reforms to ensure timely disbursements and transparent management of healthcare funds.
The situation remains fluid, with stakeholders awaiting a response from the Ministry of Health. The ongoing crisis highlights the critical need for efficient healthcare administration in Kenya.
By forcing civil servants to pay cash in hospitals, the SHA stalemate has exposed systemic flaws that demand urgent attention. Owino's outspoken criticism has amplified the issue, positioning him as a key figure in the fight for healthcare equity.
The SHA stalemate represents a significant setback for Kenya's universal healthcare ambitions. Babu Owino's demand for action reflects the frustrations of many Kenyans, particularly civil servants forced to pay cash in hospitals.
As the government grapples with this crisis, the resolution of the SHA stalemate will be a litmus test for its commitment to public welfare and effective resource management.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.