NHIF Under Scrutiny: EACC Investigates Post-Cabinet Split
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) intends to conduct an audit of the National Hospital Insurance Fund’s (NHIF) systems, policies, and operations to identify and close corruption loopholes.
In a statement seen by PoliticalPulseChat, the anti-corruption organization stated that the audit’s findings will inform several reforms, including addressing current accountability deficiencies in the administration of public resources under the care of the NHIF.
The agency managed by Twalib Mbarak reaffirmed that the audit will not affect ongoing investigations at the state agency.
The EACC Audit is a result of the cabinet’s approval of the proposal to divide the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) into three distinct funds.
During a cabinet meeting conducted at the Kakamega State Lodge, President William Ruto’s cabinet unanimously approved the proposal, noting that it would increase access to healthcare.
The fund was expanded to include the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Health Insurance Fund, and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund.
ALSO READ: Three New Funds Replace NHIF: Ruto Cabinet’s Green Light
In response to the cabinet’s resolution, four bills were transmitted to the legislature as the initial step toward the implementation of Universal Health Coverage.
These include the Primary Health Care Bill, the Digital Health Bill, the Facility Improvement Financing Bill, and the Social Health Insurance Bill.
President William Ruto’s plans to make Universal Health Coverage (UHC) more accessible to Kenyans include Cabinet proposals.
In June, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha suspended eight NHIF administrators who were suspected of participating in a scheme to defraud the fund.
After the purge, CS Nakhumicha enlisted the EACC to investigate the NHIF and provide recommendations.
“I have made a special request to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to work with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to investigate how these cartels divert funds. This report must be submitted within seven days,’ said CS Nakhumicha.
NHIF Under Scrutiny: EACC Investigates Post-Cabinet Split