The Social Health Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Mwangangi, is facing growing public criticism after the institution she leads was accused of allowing fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting Kenyans.
The Authority has come under scrutiny following a surge in reports of fake agents masquerading as SHA officials, conning citizens under the guise of helping them register or correct details in their new health accounts.
What began as isolated complaints has now grown into a national concern, raising questions about how such scams could spread so widely without the Authority taking early preventive action.
In her latest statement, Mwangangi warned Kenyans to be cautious of individuals pretending to represent the Social Health Authority. She acknowledged that many have already lost money to the con artists, who claim to offer quick registration or fix system errors for a small fee.
Mwangangi urged victims to report incidents to their nearest police station or through SHA’s toll-free number 147, emphasizing that SHA registration is completely free.
However, her message came at a time when public trust is already eroding, with critics arguing that her warning was too late for those who have already fallen prey.
The situation has exposed weaknesses in SHA’s oversight and communication systems. Reports show that the scammers use forged identification cards, counterfeit forms, and even branded clothing to appear genuine.
Some victims said the imposters carried documents that looked official and spoke confidently about SHA’s services.
Others were tricked into paying between Ksh200 and Ksh1,000 in hopes of getting faster access to benefits.
One of the most shocking incidents involved a man from Tharaka Nithi who lost Ksh251,000 after handing over his phone to a fake agent who claimed it was necessary for completing registration.
Minutes later, his bank account was drained.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has since arrested four suspects believed to be part of the fraud ring, but many Kenyans remain doubtful that arrests alone will end the problem.
Critics say SHA has been slow in launching a serious public education campaign and has relied too heavily on press statements that offer little practical help.
They argue that the Authority should have anticipated such scams, especially during the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the new SHA system, which has left many citizens confused.In response to the rising concerns, Mwangangi has advised Kenyans to register on their own using the USSD code *147# or through the official websites afyayangu.go.ke and sha.go.ke.
She further urged the public to seek help only from verified SHA offices or Huduma Centres, warning against sharing personal information or mobile phones with anyone claiming to assist with registration.
According to her, all SHA contributions should only be made through Business Number 200222, and official outreach activities are always announced through recognized government channels.
While her guidance may be useful, many citizens feel that it does not address the deeper issue of weak institutional control. Mwangangi has been at the helm for several months, yet the number of scam cases continues to grow, suggesting that internal checks and public sensitization remain inadequate.
Online, Kenyans have voiced anger, accusing SHA of being reactive instead of proactive. Some demanded accountability, saying that leadership must bear responsibility for failing to anticipate and stop the fraud before it spread.
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