By Andrew Kariuki

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has challenged Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to restore the Social Health Authority (SHA) online payment portal, raising concerns over transparency in the management of public funds.

Gachagua claimed that the portal, which previously displayed monthly payments made to hospitals, was taken down after Kenyans allegedly discovered irregularities in the listed beneficiaries.

He alleged that the platform showed payments to non-existent hospitals, prompting public scrutiny before it was subsequently removed.

The former Deputy President called on the Ministry of Health to reinstate the portal to allow public access and verification of how funds are being disbursed under the SHA system.

According to Gachagua, restoring the portal would enhance accountability and rebuild public trust in the health financing framework.

The remarks add to ongoing debate surrounding the SHA, with critics questioning its structure and implementation, while the government has maintained that the system is aimed at improving healthcare access and efficiency.

The Ministry of Health has not responded to the claims at the time of publication.