Lishenga Calls for Focus on Legal Compliance, Not PR

Brian Lishenga, chairperson of the Rural Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA), has criticised government officials for engaging in what he terms "disinformation" by comparing the Linda Jamii and Linda Mama health programmes. Speaking on live television on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Lishenga asserted that the core issue should be whether the programmes meet their legal obligations in providing medical cover, rather than being used for public relations.

"When we are comparing Linda Jamii and Linda Mama, we are engaging in disinformation," Lishenga stated, highlighting a perceived diversion from the actual mandate of the medical covers.

Context: Evolution of Maternal Healthcare Programmes

The debate surrounding Linda Mama and Linda Jamii has intensified recently, particularly after former President Uhuru Kenyatta reportedly criticised the newer Linda Jamii initiative, suggesting his administration's Linda Mama programme was more effective.

The Linda Mama programme, introduced in October 2016 under the Jubilee administration and managed by the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), aimed to reduce maternal and child mortality by providing free maternal healthcare services. This included antenatal care, delivery, postnatal care, and three months of care for newborns.

In contrast, the Linda Jamii programme was launched in June 2025 under President William Ruto's administration and falls under the Social Health Authority (SHA) Insurance Programme. It expands coverage beyond just the expectant mother and newborn to include the husband and other children. Linda Jamii also offers enhanced services such as Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU) services for both mother and infant in case of complications, as well as Anti-D serum treatment for Rhesus-negative mothers. Standard delivery costs under Linda Jamii are set at KSh 10,000 for normal deliveries and KSh 34,200 for Caesarean sections, an increase from previous rates.

Stakeholder Concerns and Financial Disputes

Lishenga's comments come amidst ongoing tensions between private hospitals, including those represented by RUPHA, and the Social Health Authority (SHA). RUPHA has been vocal about significant unpaid claims, amounting to billions of shillings, owed by the government for services rendered under various health schemes.

In September 2025, RUPHA announced a suspension of credit services for patients under the SHA scheme, citing a KSh 76 billion debt, which includes KSh 33 billion inherited from the NHIF and KSh 43 billion accrued under SHA. The association also highlighted the rejection of KSh 10.6 billion in claims without due process. This has led to a situation where many private facilities are only offering services on a cash basis to SHA beneficiaries.

Risks and Implications for Healthcare Access

The ongoing disputes and the call to end what Lishenga terms "disinformation" underscore broader challenges in Kenya's healthcare sector. Analysts suggest these developments could significantly influence public debate and policy execution, with stakeholders demanding clarity on timelines, costs, and safeguards for health programmes. The financial distress faced by hospitals due to unpaid claims risks mass closures of facilities, potentially leaving many Kenyans without access to essential healthcare services.

What to Watch

• The government's response to RUPHA's demands regarding outstanding payments and the proposed independent dispute resolution tribunal.
• Further clarity and communication from the Social Health Authority on the implementation and benefits of the Linda Jamii programme.
• The impact of the private hospitals' decision to suspend credit services on healthcare access for Kenyans, particularly those relying on the SHA scheme.