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Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has called on the Senate to fast-track a resolution on outstanding National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) arrears owed to county governments, warning that prolonged delays could severely disrupt devolved healthcare systems. Speaking on 3rd March 2026 before the Senate Committee on Investments and Special Funds chaired by William Kipkemoi Kisang, the Makueni governor said counties were grappling with unpaid claims for services already delivered.
He faulted the national government for failing to provide a clear payment plan, noting that the uncertainty was straining county health facilities.
“If this matter remains unresolved, county health systems could grind to a halt,” Mutula cautioned, urging senators to prioritise the issue.
He emphasised that predictable and adequate financing is central to strengthening healthcare delivery, adding that counties are capable of significantly improving services if funding bottlenecks are addressed.
The governor also criticised the mandatory 35 percent wage bill ceiling, describing it as a policy inconsistency that weakens service provision. While infrastructure projects such as hospital construction are classified as development expenditure, employing healthcare professionals falls under recurrent spending a distinction he said creates operational challenges.
In addition, Mutula appealed for medical equipment to be zero-rated to reduce procurement costs and accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Highlighting reforms in Makueni County, he cited the automation of health services and ongoing registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA) as key milestones. The county has allocated Sh90 million under its UHC programme to enrol about 11,000 vulnerable residents, with a broader target of reaching 200,000 beneficiaries in the long term.
He said the initiative is designed to build a sustainable health financing model, particularly for indigent populations lacking alternative medical coverage.
Mutula further pointed to the adoption of Proximie technology to supplement specialised medical expertise through remote support, helping bridge workforce gaps in local facilities.
Committee members lauded the county’s use of technology and its efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in the health sector.
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