In a move aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within Kenya’s health financing system, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, today inaugurated the NHIF Pending Medical Claims Verification Committee at Afya House in Nairobi.
The Committee, established under Kenya Gazette Notice No. 4069 dated 28th March 2025, is tasked with scrutinizing and verifying all pending medical claims submitted to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) between 1st July 2022 and 30th September 2024.
Its mandate also includes making recommendations to the Ministry of Health regarding the settlement of these claims, a measure seen as vital for ensuring value for money and restoring public trust in health expenditure.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Duale underscored the government’s commitment to universal health coverage and fiscal accountability.
“This Committee is a critical step towards restoring public trust in our health financing system. We must ensure that every shilling spent delivers meaningful health outcomes,” he stated.
He further emphasized that while acknowledging the financial constraints faced by some healthcare providers, the verification process must adhere strictly to principles of transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
These efforts are part of the broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to deliver improved healthcare services across the nation.
The Committee’s Chairperson, Mr. James Masiro, acknowledged the challenging yet urgent nature of the task ahead.
“We understand that the success of this process depends on our ability to work collaboratively and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. We are fully committed to earning and sustaining the trust placed in us,” he said, emphasizing teamwork, diligence, and integrity as the cornerstones of their mandate.
Hon. Duale was joined at the ceremony by several high-ranking officials, including Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni from Public Health and Professional Standards, Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai of Medical Services, Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Social Health Authority Acting CEO Mr. Robert Ingasira, and SHA Chairperson Mr. Abdi Mohamed, among other Ministry representatives and Committee members.
This initiative marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and accountability of the health sector, ensuring that public funds are judiciously utilized to deliver the best possible healthcare outcomes for all citizens.
