Naivasha: The government has reiterated its commitment to streamlining the Social Health Authority (SHA) systems to curb fraud while enhancing access to affordable healthcare services for more than 29 million registered Kenyans. Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale highlighted efforts to address fraudulent activities in the healthcare sector during the ongoing 2026 Legislative Retreat with Members of Parliament. According to Kenya News Agency, Duale revealed that the government had lost approximately Sh11 billion between October 2024 and April last year due to fraudulent and fictitious claims lodged by healthcare facilities during the transition to the SHA system. He disclosed that 1,118 healthcare facilities across the country had been closed after being implicated in defrauding public funds through the SHA platform. The government has initiated investigations into the fraudulent claims, which included fake claims, unprocedural surgeries, ghost patients, and collusion. Duale emphasized the government's reso lve to shut down any facility found engaging in fraudulent practices, noting that private healthcare facilities topped the list of offenders, followed by county hospitals and national referral hospitals. So far, over 29 million Kenyans have registered under the SHA programme, with significant funds collected and disbursed to healthcare facilities for services rendered. Concerns have been raised over fraudulent claims under maternity care, especially with facilities claiming higher reimbursements for Caesarean section deliveries, which are more lucrative than normal deliveries. To address these challenges, the Ministry has adopted an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven fraud detection system to promptly identify anomalies within the SHA platform. Over 10,000 healthcare facilities have been digitised, and 30,087 digital devices deployed to enhance accountability and service delivery. In efforts to increase contributions among low-income earners, the SHA Lipa Pole Pole payment model has been introduced, enrolli ng over 412,000 active members who have contributed more than Sh1.4 billion. The government is also supporting over 558,000 vulnerable households, with additional assistance provided through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). Partnerships with 36 overseas medical facilities have been established to cater for medical evacuation services, with funding capped at Sh500,000 per case for emergencies not handled locally. Duale appealed to parliament for support to address a Sh5.9 billion budgetary deficit affecting primary healthcare facilities, necessary to offset unpaid dues and maintain service delivery. A new partnership with the United States Government promises direct support of about Sh210 billion annually for combating malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis, transitioning from the previous NGO-led funding model. Reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) have increased drug availability in health facilities to 91%, and further reforms aim to support local manufactur ing of medical products. The government has also invested Sh6.18 billion in the National Equipment Support Project to provide modern medical equipment across county and national hospitals. To settle pending debts under the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), Duale seeks MPs' support for a Sh5.3 billion allocation to clear claims, alongside an additional Sh27 billion for larger claims. Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth announced a draft code of conduct for medical personnel, ensuring accountability for professional misconduct. Amoth and MPs highlighted the need for strict oversight to prevent unethical practices and exploitative claims, urging the Ministry to focus on cases of medically complicated deliveries. Nyeri MP Duncan Mathenge and South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro called for increased budgetary allocations for cancer treatment, mental health services, and rehabilitation care, with a strong stance on the need for swift prosecution of individuals involved in defrauding SHA funds .