President Ruto Assures No Corruption in SHA, Promotes Devolution and investment

Kilifi, 

Thursday, 5 December, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

President William Ruto has reiterated his commitment to eradicating corruption, particularly within the Social Health Authority (SHA), ensuring that the country's healthcare system is free from the fraud that has plagued previous institutions like the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). 

The President made the bold declaration while officially opening the Kilifi International Investment Conference in Vipingo, Kilifi County, on Thursday.

Ruto assured Kenyans that the government is resolutely working to eliminate corruption across all sectors, including healthcare, in a bid to ensure citizens get value for their money. 

He emphasized that the SHA has been well-organized to avoid the mistakes of the defunct NHIF, whose efforts were significantly hindered by corruption.

“I want to assure the country that the challenges of fraud and corruption that bedevilled the NHIF will never be part of our universal healthcare plan as long as I am in charge,” the President affirmed, drawing a line under any future fraudulent activities within the health sector.

Addressing rumors surrounding the procurement of the National Equipment Service Programme, which will see counties purchase medical equipment for their hospitals, Ruto clarified that the process was conducted with full transparency. 

The procurement involved the Ministry of Health and county governments, with counties having the freedom to choose from seven suppliers. He stressed that no county was compelled to engage with a specific supplier, providing them the autonomy to select the equipment they required.

“The government has ensured a transparent process, and there is no obligation on any county to purchase equipment from any supplier,” Ruto explained. “Counties are free to select the equipment they need and can also purchase it from suppliers of their choice.”

In line with his commitment to decentralization, President Ruto also lauded the progress of devolution, highlighting the significant role that counties are playing in driving Kenya’s socio-economic transformation. 

He described the Kilifi County International Investment Conference as an example of how devolution has unlocked untapped potential at the grassroots level. “Devolution has provided us with a unique opportunity and the capacity to empower the grassroots by unlocking untapped socio-economic potential,” he said.

The President also outlined the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen Kenya’s economic infrastructure, emphasizing the establishment of flagship Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Busia, Eldoret, Murang’a, and Kirinyaga. 

These zones, which are over 50% complete, are expected to attract investors, drive regional growth, and create employment opportunities. In addition, the government has licensed 39 Special Economic Zones, including 10 along the Coast, to further stimulate investment and foster growth in the counties.

“The government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure that all counties across Kenya harness their unique endowments and capitalize on their undeniable potential to attract investment and emerge as powerful engines of national growth and development,” Ruto asserted.

The President also emphasized the potential of the digital economy to transform Kenya’s workforce, especially among the youth. He encouraged Kenyans to use digital platforms productively, urging them to focus on positive endeavors like e-commerce and creative industries instead of engaging in negative online behavior. “Many people would want to use the digital space for other purposes and to insult others. But we can as well use it for positive purposes,” he said.

Additionally, Ruto highlighted the government's commitment to supporting county governments by allocating KSh387 billion in shared revenues through the Division of Revenue Bill, ensuring the timely disbursement of funds for essential services.