Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has exposed a major healthcare fraud. Thousands of unqualified people worked as nurses in public hospitals. The scam cost taxpayers about Sh9 billion over five years.
Speaking in Eldoret, Mr Duale said a nationwide headcount revealed shocking truths. Some “nurses” were plumbers, hairdressers, carpenters, and early childhood teachers. None had medical training.
“It’s unacceptable,” the CS said. “Anyone paid without proper credentials must return every shilling.” He promised to hand the evidence to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations within days. Many cases will also go to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
The fraud surfaced during a joint verification by national and county governments, with union support. Officials aimed to track 3,000 ghost workers. They discovered a much bigger problem. Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki said Kenya loses Sh150 million monthly to fake medics.
The fraud began in 2020, when counties hired 8,571 health workers for Covid-19 duties. They were later absorbed into the Health Ministry. But the headcount showed many had no healthcare training.
A spot-check in 18 counties found major gaps. Only Baringo confirmed its UHC staff list. Of 187 on the payroll, one failed to appear for verification. Council of Governors CEO Mary Mwiti said the headcount is ongoing. Mr Duale has ordered all UHC staff to submit original academic certificates and licences at Afya House.
“No one will pressure me,” he said. “Only genuine nurses will remain employed.” In Homa Bay, the ministry will refund money the county spent paying UHC workers over three years.
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