In a strongly worded statement shared on her official X account on Thursday, Passaris questioned how Ksh11 billion allocated to the Social Health Authority has been utilised, warning that lack of transparency could erode public trust in the country’s universal healthcare ambitions.
The Nairobi legislator argued that the amount under scrutiny is significant enough to transform the healthcare sector if properly managed.
According to Passaris, the funds could equip public hospitals with lifesaving medical equipment, ensure a steady supply of essential medicines, and facilitate the hiring and retention of thousands of healthcare workers across the country.
“Ksh11 billion is not pocket change,” Passaris stated.
“Ksh11 billion is not pocket change,” Passaris stated.
“That money could change the face of healthcare in this country by strengthening hospitals and improving service delivery for millions of Kenyans.”
While reaffirming her support for the idea of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Passaris expressed concern that Kenyans continue to make mandatory contributions to the SHA, yet many still struggle to access quality healthcare services due to systemic weaknesses and alleged mismanagement.
She described the situation as painful for ordinary citizens whose salaries are deducted monthly with the expectation of improved healthcare outcomes, only to be met with inefficiencies, delays, and unresolved complaints.
“I believe in Universal Healthcare,” she said.
While reaffirming her support for the idea of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Passaris expressed concern that Kenyans continue to make mandatory contributions to the SHA, yet many still struggle to access quality healthcare services due to systemic weaknesses and alleged mismanagement.
She described the situation as painful for ordinary citizens whose salaries are deducted monthly with the expectation of improved healthcare outcomes, only to be met with inefficiencies, delays, and unresolved complaints.
“I believe in Universal Healthcare,” she said.
“But it is troubling when citizens faithfully contribute to social health programmes while the system remains vulnerable to mismanagement, loopholes, and corruption risks.”
Passaris directly called on Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale to release comprehensive SHA payment data, arguing that public scrutiny is necessary to identify and seal gaps within the system.
Passaris directly called on Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale to release comprehensive SHA payment data, arguing that public scrutiny is necessary to identify and seal gaps within the system.
She insisted that transparency is the only way to restore confidence in the authority and safeguard public funds.
“Whether funds were paid out or intercepted, even attempted fraud exposes serious weaknesses that must be urgently addressed,” she noted.
“Whether funds were paid out or intercepted, even attempted fraud exposes serious weaknesses that must be urgently addressed,” she noted.
“The Ministry must release the full SHA payment data so that these loopholes can be examined and sealed.”
The Nairobi Woman Representative further raised concerns over reports of irregularities within the SHA system, including claims of ghost patients and non-existent health facilities allegedly benefitting from the fund. She said such practices, if proven, undermine the very purpose of social health protection.
“From ghost patients to fake hospitals, we must expose leakages, flag fraud, and ensure public resources are protected,” Passaris said.
The Nairobi Woman Representative further raised concerns over reports of irregularities within the SHA system, including claims of ghost patients and non-existent health facilities allegedly benefitting from the fund. She said such practices, if proven, undermine the very purpose of social health protection.
“From ghost patients to fake hospitals, we must expose leakages, flag fraud, and ensure public resources are protected,” Passaris said.
“Our healthcare system is in critical condition. It needs urgent CPR, and that CPR is transparency and accountability.”
Despite her criticism, Passaris was careful to state that her position should not be interpreted as opposition to the government. Instead, she framed her remarks as part of responsible leadership and oversight.
“I support the good the government is doing, but I will also call out failures when they arise,” she said.
Despite her criticism, Passaris was careful to state that her position should not be interpreted as opposition to the government. Instead, she framed her remarks as part of responsible leadership and oversight.
“I support the good the government is doing, but I will also call out failures when they arise,” she said.
“Accountability is not opposition; it is leadership. Leaders must protect the trust Kenyans have placed in them.”
Her remarks come amid growing public debate over the implementation of the Social Health Authority, which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) as part of broader healthcare reforms.
Her remarks come amid growing public debate over the implementation of the Social Health Authority, which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) as part of broader healthcare reforms.
While the government has defended SHA as a key pillar of universal healthcare, critics have raised concerns over operational challenges, data integrity, and governance.
