The Kenyan government, through the Ministries of Health, Education, and the Office of the Inspector General of Police, has strongly refuted claims made by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), describing their statement as inaccurate and misleading.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo dismissed allegations that her ministry was unwilling to clear debts owed to faith-based hospitals under the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
She assured the public that the government remains committed to settling these arrears through the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA).
Mulongo clarified that Ksh.7.58 billion had already been allocated towards the outstanding debt of Ksh.19 billion, with Ksh.5.05 billion disbursed, including Ksh.938.6 million to Catholic-run facilities. The remaining Ksh.2.5 billion is expected to be paid soon.
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Education CS Migos Ogamba criticized the bishops’ assessment of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and the new university funding model, describing their claims as unfounded.
Ogamba highlighted the success of the Student-Centred Funding Model, which has alleviated financial strain on universities previously burdened with a Ksh.70 billion debt.
He also noted that KCCB had participated in the consultative process leading to these reforms, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusive policy development.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja defended law enforcement's progress in addressing extrajudicial killings, abductions, and gender-based violence.
Kanja revealed that specialized units, such as the Missing Persons Unit and Gender Desks, have been established. He reported 1552 arrests linked to criminal activities, efforts to trace 29 unaccounted-for missing persons, and significant steps taken to investigate the murder of 97 women in recent months.
Additionally, all cases involving police officers are being investigated in collaboration with oversight bodies like IPOA and the DPP.
Parliamentary leaders Aaron Cheruiyot and Kimani Ichung’wah criticized the bishops for their generalized accusations. Cheruiyot urged the clergy to seek redress through constitutional channels, while Ichung’wah questioned the motives behind their statement, suggesting it might be politically driven.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to addressing national challenges and urged religious leaders to engage constructively.
