The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed Kenya’s planned Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) saying it’s a step in the right direction.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesos, who spoke during the organization’s global management meeting held in Nairobi, commended the programme saying Kenya is a trailblazer in healthcare in Africa.

“Kenya is starting its UHC journey. Your country is trailblazing a new trend in Health in Africa”, said Ghebreyesos.

The meeting, which is the first to be held outside WHO headquarters in Geneva, draws the participation of 300 delegates who include WHO directors, Regional Directors from 5 continents and Country representatives member states from across the World.

The pilot project of Kenya’s Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC), which will be launched on Friday will be rolled out in Kisumu, Machakos, Nyeri and Isiolo counties.

The universal healthcare is part of Uhuru’s big 4 agenda.

SH 1.1 BILLION NHIF SCANDAL

The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has not been spared by looters in the massive corruption that has characterized President Uhuru’s tenure.

21 NHIF officials have been charged in court over charges mainly based on irregular tendering processes, abuse of office and fraud against the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act owing to Sh 1.1 billion, which is said to have been awarded irregularly to Jambopay, a private entity that provides an Integrated Revenue Collection System to NHIF.

Among the 21 suspects charged in the NHIF theft is ex-NHIF CEOs Geoffrey Mwangi and Simeon Kirgotty, who were released on Monday on Sh 2million cash bail each.

According to the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji,

The two refused obstructed justice by refusing to give DCI detectives crucial documents that would aid in the NHIF graft probe.

“Investigations conducted by the DCI have revealed that the two individuals jointly conspired to obstruct the course of justice by denying the DCI officers access to crucial documents.” the DPP said in a statement.

Former Knut national chairman, Mudzo Ndzili, who also sits in the NHIF board, is also among the suspects.

The rest are Yusuf Ibrahim (NHIF Board Member). Others are Elly Opot, Joseph Mbuvi, Pamela Marendi, Gibson Muhuhu, Jacinta Mwangi, Kennedy Wakhu, Fredrick Onyancha, Millicent Mwangi, Matilda, Darius Philip Mbogo, Danson Muchemi and his M/S Webtribe Limited.

The prosecution told the court that stealing money meant for the poor and sick is like murder.

“Thousands of patients might have lost their lives following the misappropriation of over Sh1 billion at the National Hospital Insurance Fund,” Deputy DPP Emily Kamau said.