Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has clarified the Social Health Authority's (SHA) process for facilitating overseas medical treatment for Kenyans, addressing concerns about the government healthcare system abroad. Duale emphasized that SHA operates under strict legal procedures, unlike the former National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), ensuring accountability and preventing mismanagement.

• Treatment abroad is approved only if the required medical care is unavailable in Kenya and the patient is a compliant Social Health Insurance (SHI) Act contributor.
• The SHA board, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), must approve agreements with foreign medical institutions.
• A new Specially Permitted Procurement Procedure is being developed for partnering with foreign hospitals, and the Quality Care and Patient Safety Bill submitted to Parliament aims to strengthen healthcare standards.