The Kenyan government continues to struggle in its efforts to create a secure and efficient public health insurance system. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has shifted between biometric verification and one-time passwords (OTPs), yet each method has exposed critical flaws.
In 2021, the MoH rolled out biometric patient verification under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The goal was to replace national ID cards with fingerprint scanning. This was meant to reduce fraud and make hospital visits faster and easier.
Biometric technology promised accurate patient identification and quicker access to medical services. It also aimed to cut down on administrative delays that often frustrate both patients and health workers.
However, technical issues and limited infrastructure soon slowed progress. Some rural facilities lacked the tools or internet connectivity to support the system. Patients complained about failed fingerprint scans and long queues.
To solve these issues, the MoH later introduced OTP-based verification. Patients would receive a code on their phone to confirm their identity at the hospital. While this appeared more accessible, it too had problems. Many Kenyans lack reliable phone service, while others share mobile numbers within families, making identity confirmation unreliable.
Now, the government appears to be returning to biometrics. Officials argue that it offers the most secure option when implemented correctly. Yet critics warn that without proper investment and oversight, these systems remain open to abuse.
The back-and-forth has confused patients and providers alike. It also raises concerns about data privacy, fraud, and service delivery in Kenya’s public health sector.
As Kenya moves forward with its new Social Health Authority (SHA), the need for a stable, transparent, and inclusive verification system is more urgent than ever.
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