SHA stumbles; Gachagua’s last hope; Nairobi Hospital havoc

Gachagua faces an uphill battle in both houses of parliament after several failed court attempts to block his impeachment. Meanwhile, patients across the country are left stranded as the chaotic SHA roll-out struggles with system glitches and hospital confusion. Nairobi Hospital is also in turmoil, with its board accused of corruption and facing impeachment over a Sh4.2 billion loan dispute—all?this and more in today's Daily Briefing.

THE BIG TAKE

Gachagua's last hope for survival

Deputy President Gachagua will fight his impeachment in parliament after failing to stop it in court. His camp is now turning its attention to the Senate, where it is seeking 17 supportive senators. While some members of the National Assembly plan to withdraw their support, Gachagua's chances in the National Assembly remain slim. A public backlash could sway senators in his favour. Religious leaders are brokering a truce between him and President Ruto. Gachagua's impeachment will be voted on in the National Assembly, after which the Senate will consider the charges. ?

Patients suffer as SHA launch stumbles

The transition from NHIF to the new Social Health Authority (SHA) has been chaotic. Patients are stranded as hospitals struggle to access the new system. We tell you how the Ministry of Health rushed the transition without consulting key stakeholders. Critically ill patients, such as those on dialysis and cancer treatment, have been particularly affected. Lacking guidance and contracts, hospitals were unsure how to bill for services. The SHA promised efficiency, but system glitches and miscommunication have led to widespread frustration. Despite this, the government claims the system is operational and training is ongoing. Service providers remain sceptical, raising concerns about the SHA's readiness and sustainability. ?

Boardroom battles, billions and bad blood?

Nairobi Hospital is in turmoil as the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA) attempts to sack the entire board. The dispute centres on a Sh4.2 billion loan that the KHA says could bankrupt the hospital. Board members have been accused of corruption, tender-fixing and conflict of interest. Legal battles are ongoing, with court hearings and extraordinary general meetings being blocked. Meanwhile, the hospital insists that operations are unaffected, but tensions continue to rise. The next court hearing is scheduled for October 8.

Quick hits

• Business: MPs, Senators tussle over costly power deals.

• Sports: Former U-20 800m champion Kipyegon Bett dies in Bomet hospital.

• Politics: My boss, please forgive me, Rigathi Gachagua asks William Ruto.

• Devolution: White elephant? Sh300m Maungu lorry park now generates paltry Sh8,000 a day.

• Health: Another rare condition stalks baby Arianna who conquered death scare.

• Business: Current account gap halves on exports and remittances.

• Lifestyle: Viral fame: Naomi Wasike, the lecturer who has taken Tiktok by storm.

COUNTY ROUNDUP

1. Taita Taveta County ordered to reinstate Public Service Board ex-CEO with 12 months’ pay for unprocedural redeployment
2. How 8,000 teachers lost their savings and fresh bid to salvage what is left
3. John Thuku: Mystery man killed in June 25 protests
4. Last-minute lobbying ahead of Council of Governors’ elections on Monday
5. Kibwezi, the constituency with reputation for voting in defiant MPs

Today's newspapers

The Daily Nation leads with 'Gachagua’s last options'. Business Daily leads with 'Treasury boss declines US envoy job amid Adani deals' sale blocked'. Taifa Leo leads with 'GACHAGUA ATUBU'.

Cartoon of the day

Video of the day

SHA to reimburse all patients who paid medical bills out of pocket when its systems failed