SHA Defends KSh20 Million Payment to Nyandhiwa Health Facility

The Social Health Authority (SHA) headquarters in Nairobi. The Authority is under scrutiny over a KSh20 million payment to Nyandhiwa Health Centre in Homa Bay County.

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has moved to defend a controversial transfer of KSh20 million to a health facility in Homa Bay County, following public uproar over allegations that the payment was made to a “ghost hospital.”

Reports had circulated suggesting that Nyandhiwa Health Centre in Suba South, Homa Bay, might be a non-existent facility after documents showed the disbursement of funds despite concerns about its operational status.

In a statement, SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mwangangi dismissed the claims, insisting that the payment was legitimate and made to a functioning facility. He clarified that the funds were allocated to Nyandhiwa Dispensary, which is officially recognized under the Nyandhiwa Level Four Hospital.

“This is not a ghost hospital as has been claimed. Nyandhiwa Dispensary is part of a duly registered facility under Nyandhiwa Level Four Hospital in Suba South. The allocation was within the framework of supporting health service delivery in the county,” said Dr. Mwangangi.

The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of SHA’s financial management, following revelations of questionable payments to health facilities across the country. Critics have raised concerns over possible mismanagement and lack of transparency in how funds are distributed.

However, SHA maintains that the disbursement to Nyandhiwa was both procedural and necessary to strengthen service delivery in rural Homa Bay. The Authority further pledged to continue working with county governments to ensure health funding reaches the intended beneficiaries.

The clarification is expected to ease concerns, though questions linger on oversight and accountability in the management of public health funds.

Reporting by: Babz Abdul Raheem N.
Date: August 22, 2025