The government has shut down 1,400 private health facilities across the country over fraudulent dealings linked to the Social Health Authority (SHA), Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said.

Duale made the announcement during the launch of the Measles-Rubella and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Campaign at Githogoro Grounds in Nairobi, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering free and quality primary healthcare through the SHA.

“Even if we are left with 20 honest hospitals, that’s better than 2,000 corrupt ones,” he said.

The health boss urged Kenyans to stay alert and report cases of misconduct, service denial, or fraudulent billing through the toll-free number *147#, promising swift action on every complaint.

“We will act,” he added.

Duale also applauded the efforts of Community Health Promoters, saying they had reached more than 80,000 households with essential health services. He encouraged the public to take advantage of the SHA’s Lipa Pole Pole system to access services affordably.

Meanwhile, the Senate is now pressing SHA to account for billions in delayed payments owed to county health facilities — delays that risk grinding health services to a halt nationwide.

The Senate Public Investments and Special Funds Committee has resolved to summon SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi to explain why the authority has not cleared the pending bills inherited from the former National Hospital Insurance Fund.

“This committee will invite the SHA CEO to provide a status report, payment schedule and balances to all county hospitals,” said committee vice chairperson Eddy Oketch.

The senators are demanding a detailed breakdown of the outstanding amounts, a clear payment plan, and an update on how much has been disbursed so far to all 47 counties.