In what is likely to trigger Kenyans’ fury, fresh claims now indicate that the Ministry of Health (MOH) has awarded the KES 100 billion tender for the SHIF system to Safaricom.
According to a post by Influential X user Jelani on September 19, Safaricom, initially hesitant to accept the contract, was reportedly pressured into the decision by its chairman, Adil Khawaja.
Khawaja, who has close ties with Jayesh Saini from Nairobi West Hospital, was a pivotal figure in the negotiations.
Ministry of Health CS Deborah Mulongo during a past media presser. Photo: MoH Source: Facebook
The tender also involves two additional firms: Apiero, a company from Abu Dhabi, and Convergence Limited, a Kenyan firm with political connections, including links to Duale.
Critics argue that Apiero and Convergence are not providing substantial contributions to the SHIF digitization project, raising questions about their involvement.
Sources reveal that Safaricom will receive less than 10% of the total contract value, with the majority of the funds allocated to Apiero and Convergence.
This allocation has led to concerns that these companies are benefiting disproportionately from the project.
The controversy surrounding this tender is set against the backdrop of previous claims involving Jayesh Saini.
Ministry of Health Headqauters in Upper Hill Nairobi. Source: MoH/Facebook
Reports have suggested that Saini played a crucial role in the negotiations for Adani Group’s attempted takeover of JKIA. This move was halted following revelations by whistleblower Nelson Amenya, which led to public outcry and a government reversal.
Jelani’s claims highlights the complex web of influence and pressure involved in the SHIF system tender. There are increasing calls for an investigation to ensure the project’s integrity and to verify that it serves the public’s best interests.
Also, there have been claims that some powerful, untouchable individuals within Pres William Ruto and by extension UDA govt are the one pushing for the sale also leasing of Kenya’s crucial and strategic investments such as JKIA and sectors such as Health and Energy.
