Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, appeared before the Senate plenary to respond to a question by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna regarding pending claims under the defunct EduAfya Medical Scheme, delays in compensation, and broader concerns surrounding health financing and service delivery in the country.

The inquiry sought clarification on the status of unsettled claims, measures being taken to compensate affected beneficiaries, and the steps the Ministry is undertaking to prevent recurrence of similar challenges under current and future health schemes.

Responding to the matter of pending EduAfya claims, CS Duale acknowledged that a number of claims remain unsettled, attributing the delays to verification processes, administrative challenges during the transition of the scheme, and budgetary constraints.

He informed the Senate that the Ministry is currently undertaking a comprehensive reconciliation and validation exercise to ascertain legitimate claims before payment is effected.

The CS assured senators that once the verification process is complete, all eligible claims will be settled, noting that the Ministry is working to ensure accountability and accuracy in the process to safeguard public resources.

On the transition from EduAfya and ongoing health financing reforms, CS Duale stated that the challenges experienced under the scheme have informed the design and implementation of current health coverage frameworks.

He explained that the Ministry is putting in place safeguards to enhance efficiency, minimize delays, and strengthen oversight in claims processing under the reformed system.

The CS emphasized that beneficiary protection remains central to the reforms, with a focus on ensuring timely access to healthcare services and financial risk protection for households.

Addressing broader concerns on healthcare service delivery raised by senators, CS Duale acknowledged existing gaps in access to services, efficiency in claims settlement, and coordination among implementing agencies.

He told the Senate that the Ministry is strengthening internal systems and inter-agency collaboration to improve responsiveness and service delivery across the sector.

The CS further noted that ongoing reforms are aimed at enhancing transparency, improving operational efficiency, and restoring public confidence in government-managed health programmes.

CS Duale concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to clearing all verified pending claims, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and implementing sustainable health financing reforms to support universal health coverage.

He stated that the Ministry will continue to engage stakeholders and refine its systems to ensure effective delivery of healthcare services to all Kenyans.