The Social Health Authority (SHA) is once again under public scrutiny. This time, it is not for poor service delivery but for allowing con artists to roam freely, exploiting unsuspecting Kenyans.
The Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Mwangangi, has issued a statement warning citizens about the growing number of Fake SHA Agents. But her statement has done little to hide the Authority’s incompetence in preventing the fraud in the first place.
Rising Scam Cases Expose Weak Oversight
For weeks, Kenyans across various counties have reported being duped by people pretending to be SHA agents. These imposters claim they can speed up registration or fix account errors in exchange for a small fee. Many have lost thousands of shillings in the process.
On Friday, November 7, Mwangangi broke her silence, admitting that the Authority had received numerous complaints about fake agents defrauding Kenyans. She urged victims to report the incidents to their nearest police station or to SHA’s toll-free line, 147.
“SHA registration is free. Do not pay anyone who claims to help you register or update your details,” Mwangangi stated.
However, her warning came too late for many who have already fallen victim. Reports show that the scammers used fake identification cards, forged SHA forms, and even wore branded shirts to appear legitimate. Such tactics raise questions about SHA’s internal verification systems and its ability to protect citizens from fraud.
Fake SHA Agents Exploiting Desperate Citizens
The scammers are capitalizing on confusion surrounding SHA’s new registration process. Many Kenyans still struggle to understand the transition from NHIF to SHA, creating the perfect environment for fraud.
Several victims have shared their experiences, saying they trusted the fake agents because they appeared knowledgeable and confident. Some even carried what looked like official SHA badges. Others claimed the agents offered to help them access “faster benefits” if they paid between Ksh200 and Ksh1,000.
One case involved a man from Tharaka Nithi who was conned Ksh251,000 after being told to hand over his phone to “complete his registration.” Minutes later, his phone went off, and his Sacco account was emptied.
In response, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched an operation that led to the arrest of four suspects. But Kenyans remain skeptical that arrests alone will stop the problem. Many believe SHA needs to take stronger action and launch nationwide awareness campaigns instead of issuing repetitive press statements.
SHA CEO Urges Self-Registration
In her defense, Mwangangi has insisted that Kenyans should take charge of their own registration process. She encouraged self-registration using USSD code *147# or through SHA’s official websites, afyayangu.go.ke and sha.go.ke.
She also advised those seeking help to only visit verified SHA offices or Huduma Centres. “Never share your PIN or hand over your mobile phone to anyone claiming to assist you with registration. Payments for SHA contributions are made only through Business Number 200222,” she stated.
Mwangangi added that official SHA outreach events are always announced through legitimate channels, local authorities, and media houses. “If anyone approaches you claiming to represent SHA and asks for money, do not engage them,” she warned.
While these remarks are sound in theory, critics argue they reflect a leadership that reacts instead of acts. The SHA boss has been at the helm for seven months, yet the fraud wave continues to grow. Citizens want accountability, not reminders of what should be common sense.
Public Anger Over Weak Response
Kenyans online have expressed frustration, accusing the Authority of doing too little to protect them. Many argue that SHA should have anticipated such scams when it launched the new registration system.
“It’s not enough to tell us not to pay anyone. Where is the public education? Where are the official outreach drives?” one Twitter user questioned. Others demanded that Mwangangi take personal responsibility for the growing fraud, saying her administration has failed to create a foolproof verification system.
Meanwhile, the victims’ stories continue to surface daily, painting a picture of widespread vulnerability. Some Kenyans fear that even genuine SHA field officers could be mistaken for scammers, further complicating the Authority’s credibility.
Until SHA tightens its operations, ensures proper public education, and partners with security agencies to curb the fraud, Kenyans remain at risk of losing their hard-earned money to Fake SHA Agents.
The problem reflects not only on the criminals exploiting the system but also on the leadership that has failed to prevent it. Warnings without action are no longer enough. What Kenyans need now is accountability, visibility, and protection.
