CS Duale Gives Update on Police Transition to SHIF

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced new steps to move the Kenya National Police Service to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), following a directive by President William Ruto.

Speaking after a high-level meeting, Duale said the government is working to ensure a smooth transition for police officers, prison officers and their families into the new health insurance system.

The meeting brought together officials from the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Digital Health Agency.

“We agreed to form a joint technical team to finalise benefit packages, how services will be delivered, and the rules for accessing healthcare, so that the transition happens in phases without interrupting medical services,” Duale said.

He said the move is part of the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan, which aims to ensure all Kenyans are registered with SHA and can access affordable, quality healthcare.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Duale announced a nationwide crackdown on fraud in the health sector.

He said a special anti-fraud police unit will be formed to deal with fake clinics, unlicensed doctors and other illegal practices. The unit will work with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council to enforce standards.

“We will crack the whip. If you are a quack doctor or running an illegal clinic, you should look for another business,” Duale said.

The ministry will also digitise the health system using a central dashboard that will list all licensed doctors, dentists and pharmacies, making it easier to identify those operating illegally.

The move comes amid rising cases of fraud and misconduct in the health sector, including the recent death of a patient, Amos Isoka, who died after complications from a botched tooth extraction.