Government Clarifies Adani Group's Involvement in SHA

Nairobi, Kenya – The government of Kenya has issued a statement clarifying the alleged involvement of the Adani Group in the digitization of Universal Healthcare Software for the Social Health Authority (SHA). This clarification comes in the wake of President William Ruto’s cancellation of procurement processes for the JKIA and KETRACO projects involving the Adani Group during his recent State of the Nation address.

In the statement released today, the government spokesperson categorically denied any contract between SHA and the Adani Group regarding the digitization of Universal Healthcare Software. The spokesperson emphasized that the only existing contract inherited by SHA was between the defunct NHIF and the service providers of the Health Insurance Claims System (HICS).

“There is NO contract between SHA and any service provider on digitization of Universal Healthcare Software,” the statement read, highlighting that the digitization contract in question is actually between the Ministry of Health and Safaricom PLC, Apiero LTD, and Konvergenz Network Solutions.

The government elaborated on the broader context of healthcare digitization, noting that SHA is a component of a larger health digitization agenda that includes various stakeholders such as KEMSA, regulators like KMPDC, PPB, and the Nursing Council, as well as healthcare providers, hospitals, and healthcare workers. The agenda also covers essential elements such as devices, connectivity, power backup, and licenses.

Healthcare digitization is identified as a critical pillar for the delivery of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya, with the government stressing its importance in increasing efficiency, enhancing data portability, and minimizing fraud.

The spokesperson also suggested that SHA’s name might be unfairly linked to the alleged Adani deals by “cartels who were benefiting from NHIF at the expense of citizens.”

The government highlighted a significant shift in health insurance coverage, with over 15 million Kenyans having moved from NHIF to SHIF. Citizens who have not yet registered with SHIF are encouraged to do so through the provided USSD code *147# or the official website.

The allegations against the Adani Group follow President Ruto’s decisive actions during his State of the Nation address, where he announced the cancellation of procurement processes for major infrastructure projects involving the group, specifically the JKIA and KETRACO projects. This move has sparked various reactions and heightened scrutiny of any potential dealings between the Adani Group and Kenyan public institutions.

As the government continues to implement its UHC agenda, it remains committed to transparency and efficiency in its partnerships and procurement processes, ensuring that the health and well-being of Kenyan citizens are prioritized above all else.