Tharaka Nithi Governor Onesmus Muthomi Njuki appeared before the Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds on January 19, 2026, to address serious audit queries, including discrepancies in Social Health Authority (SHA) claims submitted by Chuka County Referral Hospital.
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Governor Onesmus Muthomi Njuki of Tharaka Nithi County responding to the Senate Committee on January 19, 2026, amid scrutiny over SHA claims at Chuka County Referral Hospital. |
The high-profile appearance, chaired by Senator Peris Tobiko, stemmed from the Auditor-General’s reports highlighting systemic weaknesses in county entities, with a sharp focus on governance, revenue controls, and SHA claims processing at the Level 5 Chuka County Referral Hospital — a vital healthcare hub serving Tharaka Nithi and neighboring areas.
Major Audit Concerns at Chuka Hospital
The committee flagged significant variances between the amounts claimed by the hospital under SHA and those approved or disbursed. Key issues included:
- Clerical errors and insufficient supporting documentation
- Non-compliance with official SHA tariff guidelines
- Deficiencies in revenue verification, data accuracy, internal controls, asset management, and audit functions
Senator Beth Syengo expressed grave concern over the large financial gaps, stating they could border on scandal and demanded assurance that these were genuine errors rather than deliberate abuse of public funds.
Senator Tobiko emphasized: “These are not isolated audit queries. They point to systemic failures that must be addressed decisively to protect public funds and ensure quality service delivery to patients.”
Governor Njuki Accepts Responsibility and Outlines Reforms
Governor Muthomi Njuki, who also chairs key national health committees, took full responsibility for the discrepancies, explaining they arose mainly from documentation gaps during claims submission.
He detailed immediate corrective measures implemented by the county:
- Resubmission of corrected and verified SHA claims
- Targeted training for billing, clinical, and administrative staff on SHA guidelines and proper documentation
- Enhanced internal verification protocols and strengthened audit functions to prevent recurrence
The Senate Committee instructed the Tharaka Nithi County Executive to furnish documented proof of these actions within a specified timeframe and committed to rigorous follow-up in subsequent audit cycles.
Context and Implications for SHA in Tharaka Nithi
Governor Njuki has long championed SHA rollout in Tharaka Nithi, including free services for registered residents at facilities like Chuka Hospital, hospital upgrades (e.g., new ICU commissioning), and efforts to eliminate topping-up fees.
However, accurate claims submission and robust internal controls are vital to sustain reimbursements, avoid financial losses, and maintain patient trust in Kenya's universal health coverage framework.
This Senate intervention reflects broader national scrutiny on SHA compliance, fraud prevention, and governance in county health systems.
Timely reforms will help ensure public resources translate into improved healthcare access for Tharaka Nithi residents.
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