The Ministry of Health has reiterated its firm commitment to a lawful and transparent approach in resolving the long-standing pending bills owed by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The ministry emphasized that any action taken will strictly adhere to constitutional provisions, financial regulations, and established oversight mechanisms. It underscored that while court rulings on the matter will be respected in full, all steps must remain consistent with the Constitution, the Public Finance Management Act, the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, the Appropriations Act, the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, and the necessary parliamentary oversight processes.
Central to the ministry’s approach is the verification of all claims before any payments are authorized. This step, it noted, is non-negotiable to safeguard public resources and ensure that only legitimate debts are settled. According to the ministry, this verification process will be carried out in full compliance with the law, with consultations to determine the most effective and transparent procedures.
The NHIF has been under mounting pressure from hospitals and service providers over unpaid claims, some of which have been outstanding for several years. The situation has been further complicated by a recent High Court decision, which nullified an earlier attempt to establish a verification committee on grounds that the ministry lacked the legal authority to form such a body.
Despite these legal challenges, the ministry has signaled a cautious and methodical way forward. By focusing on verification and compliance with statutory requirements, it aims to prevent fraudulent or inflated claims from draining public funds, while ensuring that genuine service providers receive the payments they are due.
The ministry also highlighted the broader goal of reinforcing public trust in the national health insurance system. By balancing legal compliance, fiscal responsibility, and fairness to service providers, it seeks to create a sustainable payment framework that will enhance healthcare delivery and protect taxpayer money.
As the NHIF pending bills issue continues to attract national attention, the ministry’s position signals a shift from reactive measures to a more structured, rules-based approach. This strategy, it says, will be key to achieving accountability, safeguarding resources, and restoring confidence in Kenya’s health financing system.
