A tense exchange unfolded during the Kenya Health Summit 2026 hosted at KICC when President William Ruto and Dr. Gikonyo of Karen Hospital engaged in a heated debate over Social Health Authority (SHA) reimbursements to hospitals, with the President calling for truthfulness and caution against generalities.
Dr. Gikonyo, who is known to be the personal physician of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, sparked the discussion when he raised concerns about hospitals allegedly not being reimbursed for services already provided under the Taifa Care health program.
“Are you aware that many hospitals have not been reimbursed? Can you tell us how much SHA owes hospitals for services already provided?” Dr. Gikonyo posed.
In response, Dr. Mercy Mwangangi was directed by the President to provide specific figures regarding Karen Hospital, where Dr. Gikonyo serves.
“Karen Hospital has submitted claims worth approximately Ksh 303 million. SHA has paid them about Ksh 202 million, which is 66.5% of the total claims. We have rejected claims worth Ksh 9.5 million, which is just 3% of the total claims,” Dr. Mwangangi stated.
President Ruto, who was present at the forum, weighed in on the exchange, urging Dr. Gikonyo to be factual rather than generalizing about the reimbursement issue.
“Dr. Gikonyo, it is good to be truthful. Let’s avoid generalities,” the President said.
