Committee tables report on NHIF saga, recommends probe

By Peter Opiyo and Lonah Kibet

Divisions within the Parliamentary Committee on Health played out as it tabled its report on allegations of irregularities in the civil servants outpatient medical insurance scheme.

Committee member and Nyando MP Fred Outa claimed some of the recommendations in the report were altered without any recordings in the Hansard.

His concerns raised interest in the Chamber with Ikolomani MP Boni Khalwale and Kisumu Town West MP Olago Aluoch saying that owing to the claims, the report should not be tabled until the Speaker verifies its authenticity.

Committee Chairman Robert Monda dismissed his allegations saying the committee met and endorsed the report. He said seven out of ten members agreed with the report.

“We held a meeting last Wednesday and seven out of ten members adopted the report,” said Monda, adding that the Speaker’s office approved the report for tabling.

It Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission investigates the roles of Medical Services Minister Anyang’ Nyong’o and Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno on the alleged irregularities in the scheme.

Investigations

Others who should be investigated are PS in the Ministry of Medical Services, Mary Ngari, the Registrar General Bernice Gachegu, the Board of the National Hospital Insurance Fund, and its former CEO Richard Kerich, and the Director of Medical Services Francis Kimani.

Speaker Kenneth Marende allowed the tabling of the report saying it adhered to the rules of procedure and that there were no records of dissenting voices in the report.

The committee was concerned with Prof Nyong’o’s involvement with Mr Jayesh Saini, the owner of Clinix Healthcare Ltd.

The committee noted that Richard Muga, the former chairman of the NHIF board, did not have powers to suspend the former CEO without the board’s resolution. Prof Muga on his part is to be investigated in connection with reports that he owns Star Hospital, which participated in the scheme.