The Social Health Authority (SHA) has issued a public alert warning Kenyans about a rising wave of fraudsters posing as its officials to defraud unsuspecting citizens.
In a statement dated November 6, 2025, SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi expressed concern over the growing number of cases where criminals claim they can facilitate registration or fast-track SHA services in exchange for money.
“We are deeply saddened and concerned to learn that some members of the public have been defrauded by criminals impersonating SHA employees and conning unsuspecting Kenyans by claiming they can help with registration or speed up SHA services at a fee,” Dr. Mwangangi said in the notice.
The authority emphasised that SHA services are free and that no employee is authorised to request payment or personal information such as M-Pesa PINs from members of the public.
“Trust placed in our staff is important, and it pains us greatly that dishonest individuals would exploit that trust for their own gain,” the CEO added.
SHA has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through the authority’s hotline 147 and email [email protected].
The warning comes as the government continues to roll out the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under SHA, replacing the former NHIF structure — a transition that scammers appear to be exploiting to target unsuspecting citizens.
