Senate probes Kang’ata Care over use of Sh172 million health funds
The initiative, introduced by Governor Irungu Kang’ata, aims to support 20,000 households by providing free medical services in the county’s public hospitals.
The Senate has launched a probe into Kang’ata Care after Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu raised concerns about how Sh172 million paid to the Social Health Authority (SHA) has been used.
He demanded transparency on fund management and the number of households benefiting from the programme. The Senate Health Committee is set to investigate and present its findings to the House.
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Speaking at the Busia County Assembly on Wednesday, Nyutu highlighted the need for detailed information on the disbursement of funds and the actual coverage of the scheme.
“The people of Murang’a deserve transparency on how these funds are being used. 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,” he said.
In December 2022, Murang’a County kicked off the registration exercise for beneficiaries of the county government medical insurance programme, Kang’ata Care.
The initiative, introduced by Governor Irungu Kang’ata, aims to support 20,000 households by providing free medical services in the county’s public hospitals.
To facilitate this, the county signed an agreement with the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), committing Sh170 million annually. At the time, Governor Kang’ata said the programme was designed to lift the medical burden off the shoulders of vulnerable residents.
Introduced in 2023, Kang’ata Care is also a partnership between Murang’a County Government and Britam Insurance, offering inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and last expense benefits to enrolled families.
The County Government pays an annual premium per household, ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all residents, regardless of financial status.
Senator Nyutu sought clarification on the total number of households and individuals currently enrolled, as well as details of the last expense claims handled by the now-defunct NHIF, including those that were settled and those still outstanding.
He also questioned the county’s contribution per household, the cost-sharing arrangements for last expense payments with NHIF, and the specific terms of the agreement with Britam Insurance.
Nyutu asked whether the programme runs continuously each year or requires annual renewal, and whether there is an age limit for beneficiaries.
“This is not about politics; it is about accountability and service delivery. The residents of Murang’a have placed their trust in this programme, and it is our duty to ensure that trust is not misplaced,” he emphasised.
While acknowledging Kang’ata Care as a commendable initiative capable of improving healthcare access, Nyutu stressed the importance of strict oversight to prevent misuse of funds and ensure the programme achieves its intended objectives.
“If managed well, Kang’ata Care could serve as a model for other counties across Kenya, but proper oversight and transparency are key to ensuring that such programmes truly serve the people,” he added.
The matter has now been formally referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Health, which is expected to conduct a thorough investigation and report back to the Senate in due course.
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