President Ruto’s senior economic advisor, Moses Kuria, has defended the SHA system. The SHA system is a new health technology that is designed to safeguard Kenyan data. Kuria made his remarks on Citizen TV’s JKLive show on 5 March 2025. He used simple and clear language to address public worries about foreign control.
Kuria stated that the Digital Health Authority is the sole owner of the data. He said that all data centres are in Kenya. There are three centres in total. The data is stored locally. This news comes at a time when critics question who really controls the SHA system.
The Auditor General published a report that raised concerns. The report noted that Ksh.104.9 billion was spent on the system. It also pointed out a key clause in the contract. This clause prevents the government from accessing or controlling the system.
Consequently, some fear that sensitive data might fall into the hands of private companies. However, Kuria dismissed these claims.
He explained that the SHA system is fully under Kenyan control.
Moreover, he stressed that the data is not stored abroad. Instead, it is housed in three data centres within Kenya. Kuria said, “The Digital Health Authority is the single owner of the data.” His words aimed to reassure citizens and restore trust in the system.
Kuria’s defence comes after a damning audit report was released. The report was not final. It is only the first stage of the review process. Kuria noted that Parliament will examine the report in detail. He argued that an audit report is not conclusive until it passes further scrutiny. Therefore, he urged the public to wait for the parliamentary review.
Furthermore, the report mentioned that three companies manage the system. Among them is Safaricom and another company based in France. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka questioned this arrangement. He asked how a system handling critical data could be managed by foreign firms.
In response, Kuria firmly maintained that the SHA system remains in Kenyan hands. He said that these companies serve only as technical managers. They do not own the data.
Kuria’s remarks have sparked both support and criticism. Some citizens feel relieved that the data is kept in Kenya. Others remain cautious about the involvement of private entities.
Nevertheless, Kuria was clear in his message. He used active language to dispel any doubts. He stressed that the government has not lost control of the system. The SHA system is owned and operated locally.
The SHA system was introduced to replace the old National Hospital Insurance Fund system. It aims to tackle fraudulent claims that plagued the previous system. President Ruto has defended the new system on many fronts. He explained that the government will not fund the SHA system on a direct payment basis. Instead, the system works on a fee-for-service arrangement. This method is intended to save public funds and curb fraud.
In addition, the SHA system is part of a broader government effort. The aim is to improve health services for all Kenyans. The new system is designed to work in both public and private hospitals. Kuria noted that the system provides equal service in all health facilities. He stressed that SHA does not discriminate between different types of hospitals. As a result, patients can expect consistent treatment regardless of where they seek care.
Moreover, the SHA system faces technical challenges. There have been reports of system glitches and overloads. However, Kuria confirmed that the technical teams are working on these issues. He mentioned that enhancements are ongoing. He added that the system will operate smoothly once all fixes are in place. By 31 July 2025, the government expects the SHA system to function without faults. This timeline gives hope to many who rely on the system.
The Auditor General’s report also highlighted issues with contract clauses. Critics say that these clauses could limit government oversight. Nonetheless, Kuria argued that such reports are only preliminary. He said that the final decision rests with Parliament. He called for patience and a full review of the findings. In his view, the current criticisms do not reflect the full picture of the SHA system’s performance.
Kuria’s defence is part of a wider effort to boost confidence in the government’s health reforms. In a televised interview, he used simple words to ensure clarity. He avoided technical jargon so that all Kenyans could understand his points. He stressed that the SHA system will benefit everyone.
In addition, he mentioned that the government is committed to transparency and accountability. This promise is meant to build trust and secure public support.
Furthermore, the SHA system has attracted attention from other African nations. Some leaders have expressed interest in replicating Kenya’s approach. Kuria noted that several countries are eager to learn from Kenya’s experience. This interest is seen as a sign of trust in the country’s innovative health reforms. However, Kuria warned that each nation must adapt the system to its own needs. He did not provide further details on which countries might adopt the model.
The government has defended the SHA system from all sides. It has responded to technical, legal, and public concerns alike. Through active measures, it has reassured the public of local data ownership. Kuria’s clear and active language was designed to calm fears. Moreover, he ensured that the key issues were addressed head-on. This direct approach has helped to shape public opinion on the matter.
The SHA system is a critical part of Kenya’s health strategy. It aims to modernise the country’s healthcare delivery. In light of the recent audit report, Kuria’s defence was timely. He used strong and simple language to stress local control. He repeated that the Digital Health Authority owns the data. Consequently, he reassured Kenyans that no foreign entity controls the system.
The SHA system remains under strict Kenyan control. The government is committed to addressing all concerns. It has promised further reviews by Parliament. At the same time, technical improvements are underway. Therefore, the SHA system stands as a beacon of local innovation in health. Citizens can now feel more secure about the data and the system’s future.
