Wamuchomba criticises parliamentary 'kamukunjis' on SHA

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba on Spice FM on November 15, 2024. [Screengrab]

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has criticised Parliament for its handling of the controversial transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA). 

Speaking on Spice FM on Friday, November 15, Wamuchomba revealed that the government had convened an informal meeting—commonly known as a ‘Kamukunji’—with health sector stakeholders to discuss the transition off the record.

She expressed disappointment, calling the meeting a missed opportunity for Parliament to address the public's concerns through formal legislative processes. 

“We debated the issue in the National Assembly. To my disappointment, the solution offered was to hold a Kamukunji, inviting health ministers, the Principal Secretary, and SHA officials to brief MPs informally,” Wamuchomba said. 

She explained that kamukunjis are typically reserved for discussions on MPs’ welfare or for informal clarification of issues. According to Wamuchomba, the purpose of the meeting was to educate MPs on SHA’s responsibilities so they could better address public concerns. 

Wamuchomba, a health and education expert, had previously written to Parliament seeking an adjournment to discuss the growing public interest in the SHA. She now questions why MPs passed the law establishing the SHA without fully understanding its implications. 

“How do you pass a law, then later realize it’s not working? And now you’re calling for a Kamukunji to understand what’s going on,” she posed.   

The MP further criticised lawmakers for passing legislation without anticipating its consequences, arguing that this undermines Parliament’s oversight role. She accused the executive of encroaching on Parliament’s powers, leaving MPs with limited authority beyond ratification. 

“For instance, if a ratification program is brought to Parliament and isn’t passed within two weeks, the Cabinet can implement it without parliamentary approval,” she added.

Wamuchomba also pointed to unresolved debts owed to health facilities under the NHIF system, which she believes should have been addressed before transitioning to the SHA. 

“The government still owes health facilities billions of shillings. This is why Catholic bishops are frustrated…they oversee mission hospitals that have not received their payments,” she said. 

She urged the government to prioritise settling outstanding debts and adequately prepare for the SHA transition to avoid further crises. 

Her remarks come amid calls by Catholic bishops for the government to stop spreading misinformation and address financial challenges facing mission hospitals and other healthcare providers.