CS Duale Responds After SHA Allegedly Denies Baby Ksh500,000 Medical Cover

 Kenya News – Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has responded to public outrage following claims that the Social Health Authority (SHA) declined to honour a Ksh500,000 pledge towards the treatment of a 10-month-old Kenyan girl flown to India for heart surgery.

The child, Chloe Agnes Nyang’au, required urgent treatment abroad after local fundraising efforts raised part of the Ksh1.6 million needed. SHA had reportedly promised to contribute Ksh500,000, but once the family arrived in India, they were informed that the funds wouldn’t be disbursed.

Duale Explains SHA Legal Constraints

In a press statement released on Thursday, August 7, CS Duale clarified that SHA, which replaced the defunct NHIF, operates under a completely new legal system that limits how and where payments can be made—especially for overseas treatment.

“SHA must follow the guidelines set out by the Social Health Insurance Act, the Public Procurement Act, and instructions from the Office of the Attorney General,” said Duale. “This means we can only pay hospitals that are officially contracted and empaneled by SHA.”

Foreign Hospitals Must Be Accredited

Duale added that for any Kenyan to receive medical assistance abroad using SHA funds, several conditions must be met. The treatment must be unavailable in Kenya, and the beneficiary must be fully compliant with SHA contribution requirements.

“Also, the foreign hospital must be accredited in its country and recognized by Kenyan authorities. It must also have a formal agreement with a Kenyan hospital to provide follow-up care,” Duale stated.

SHA Still Finalizing Overseas Treatment List

The CS revealed that SHA is still working on finalizing a list of medical procedures that Kenyans can access outside the country. This list is expected to be released by the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel (BPTAP) annually, but it has not yet been gazetted.

“Until this list is officially published, SHA cannot approve any overseas treatments,” Duale emphasized.

CS Aden Duale during a past press briefing. Photo/File

SHA to Seek Special Procurement Approval

To streamline overseas medical contracts, SHA plans to request a special procurement procedure from the National Treasury. This would allow exceptions to the usual open tender process under strict conditions, including formal justification and Treasury approval.

“We are putting the necessary structures in place to support international healthcare partnerships, but this has to follow the law,” concluded Duale.

The case of baby Chloe has drawn emotional reactions across Kenya, with many urging the government to prioritize health reforms under the new SHA system.

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