In a bold declaration that resonated with confidence and resolve, President William Ruto assured Kenyans that under his leadership, the Social Health Authority (SHA) would remain free from corruption, laying a foundation for a transformative and trustworthy healthcare system.
Speaking at the Kilifi International Investment Conference in Vipingo on Thursday, December 5, Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ridding the revamped health cover of corruption, a challenge that once marred the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
“The challenges of fraud and corruption that crippled the NHIF will never be part of our universal healthcare plan as long as I am in charge,” Ruto declared, addressing both the gathering of local and international investors and officials present at the event.
His words come as part of a wider initiative aimed at establishing a transparent and accountable healthcare system that delivers tangible value for Kenyan taxpayers.
Ruto assured the nation that the SHA was meticulously structured to root out corruption, particularly in procurement processes.
He defended the integrity of the National Equipment Service Programme, which enables counties to procure essential hospital equipment.
The President was quick to address concerns about potential fraud in the procurement of medical equipment, which has long been a contentious issue in Kenya’s health sector.
“There is no obligation on any county to get equipment from any supplier. There are seven suppliers, and counties are free to choose the equipment they need, from whichever supplier they prefer,” Ruto explained, clearing the air on allegations of fraudulent procurement practices.
His emphasis on transparency and local autonomy in decision-making underscored the government’s commitment to empowering county governments and ensuring that no single supplier could dominate the process.
New war on corruption
Speaking during the State of the Nation address on November 21, 2024, Ruto highlighted the significance of combating corruption, calling it a key priority for his administration going forward.
“Of the many difficult assignments I have undertaken, this fight against corruption is one I now take on with resolve going forward. Let this serve as notice to all,” he said.
To prove he meant business in dealing with corruption, Ruto announced the cancellation of two major infrastructure deals involving Indian conglomerate Adani.
The agreements, which encompassed the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the KETRACO energy transmission project, were scrapped following revelations of potential integrity issues.
The president emphasized that his decision was guided by credible information from investigative agencies and international partners, aligning with Kenya’s constitutional principles of transparency and accountability.
“I have stated in the past, and I now repeat today, that in the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take decisive action,” he declared.
Ruto directed the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to act immediately, cancelling both the ongoing JKIA procurement process and the KETRACO transmission public-private partnership (PPP) deal.
“Accordingly, I now direct in furtherance of the principles enshrined in article 10 of the constitution on transparency and accountability and based on new information provided by investigative agencies and partner nations that the procuring agencies within the ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum immediately cancel the ongoing procurement process for the JKIA expansion public-private partnership,” Ruto said.
Ruto’s speech was met with a standing ovation from lawmakers as he announced the decision to cancel Adani Group’s controversial deals.
The president reiterated his stance, citing corruption concerns as the basis for terminating the agreements involving JKIA and KETRACO.
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