Parliament
Members of parliament have dismissed the Sh8 billion Social Health Insurance ICT system, which is expected to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The MPs, led by National Assembly Health Committee Chair Robert Pukose, claimed that SHA purchased an ICT system without following normal procurement procedures and had begun enrolling Kenyans in the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
During a meeting with the National Assembly’s Committee on Health, the Social Health Authority (SHA) Board, and the outgoing National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Board, Members of Parliament stated that SHA had already procured an ICT system upgrade through single-sourcing under the guise of special procurement.
They stated that an unnamed IT business was handed the contract to register Kenyans for the new health system at an undisclosed cost.
“We must ensure that all information entering this system is properly obtained under appropriate terms. You now have someone with whom you do not have a contract. What assurance do we have that the data they acquire from clients is safe and secure?” Pukose inquired.
Kitutu Chache South Member of Parliament Anthony Kibagendi highlighted concerns about the lack of openness regarding SHA’s system for enrolling Kenyans in the new health service.
“The system used by SHA to register Kenyans to the new health scheme is shrouded in ambiguity. We don’t know the name of the IT firm being used, the associated costs, and the extent of data already amassed. At face value, this appears to be a breeding ground for corruption,” he said.
The committee members expressed sadness that, while Kenyan registration began early last month, it was conducted in complete secret and in breach of the Data Protection Act.
However, Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai defended the ministry’s conduct, claiming that they adhered to all Data Protection Act regulations.
Also Read: NHIF Reforms Will Ensure Universal Health Care For All Kenyans-Ruto
