Six officials from Jambo Jipya Clinic were on Monday arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi over allegations of defrauding the Social Health Authority (SHA) of more than Sh2 million through false medical claims.
The suspects—comprising the clinic’s director, accountant, and several administrative staff—were accused of conspiring to submit fake patient records and inflated treatment bills to the SHA, formerly known as the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
According to the prosecution, the group allegedly filed the fraudulent claims between January and June 2024, leading to the irregular payment of Sh2,037,450 to the facility. The funds were reportedly transferred to the clinic’s bank account after the officials purported that they had offered medical services to dozens of non-existent patients.
Investigators from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) told the court that the fraud was uncovered following an internal audit that revealed inconsistencies in patient data and treatment records. The findings prompted a joint probe by the EACC and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), leading to the arrests last week.
During the court session, the accused pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud, uttering false documents, and obtaining money by false pretenses. The prosecution requested the court to deny them bail, arguing that they might interfere with witnesses or tamper with evidence.
However, the defense urged the court to grant reasonable bail terms, saying the accused were willing to cooperate with investigators and had fixed places of residence.
Chief Magistrate Susan Shitubi released the suspects on a cash bail of Sh500,000 each, with an alternative bond of Sh1 million, pending the hearing of the case. She also directed the prosecution to furnish the defense with all witness statements and documentary evidence within 14 days.
The case is set for mention on October 28, 2025.
If found guilty, the six could face hefty fines or imprisonment under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
