By Andrew Kariuki

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has raised concerns over what he described as inconsistencies in government financial decisions, pointing to the Social Health Authority (SHA) system and the planned capitalisation of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC).

Speaking to the press, Omtatah signalled possible legal action, referencing his history of court petitions that have stalled government projects he argues do not comply with the law.

“SHA software, they said they bought the software at Ksh104 billion and then selling Kenya Pipeline at Ksh106 billion. Somebody is fooling others, so it has to come to an end. But we’re going to corner them slowly,” he said.

His remarks come amid ongoing public debate over the cost and structure of the Social Health Authority system.

President William Ruto has previously dismissed claims that the government spent Ksh104 billion to procure the SHA system, stating that no public funds were used.

According to the President, the system is operated by a consortium of technology firms under a fee-for-service model, aimed at addressing fraud challenges that affected the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Separately, scrutiny has also been directed at the proposed financial structuring of KPC.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the company is set to be capitalised with Ksh106 billion to anchor the National Infrastructure Fund.

Under the proposal, KPC’s annual dividends, estimated at about Ksh5 billion, would be redirected from the National Treasury into the fund to support infrastructure financing.

Omtatah’s statements add to growing debate over the valuation, transparency and long-term fiscal implications of major government projects and state asset management.