Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has directed the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF)  to settle all pending claims - including those under the Linda Mama Programme.

The CS assured mothers in the country that all their benefits under the Linda Mama Programme will be covered by the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

“I have instructed NHIF to ensure that the verification process is rigorous to weed out any fraudulent claims,” CS Nakhumicha stated.

She reiterated that only legitimate and reconciled claims will be paid.

The announcement by CS Nakhumicha comes barely a week after a group of parliamentarians led by Githunguri legislator Gathoni Wamuchomba called for the CS' sacking over the Linda Mama Programme.

Speaking on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, the lawmakers argued that pregnant mothers have been gravely affected by the ongoing nationwide doctors' strike, which the claim the CS has no solution to.

The over 10 legislators claim that halting the Linda Mama Programme and handling of the medics' strike have demonstrated Nakhumicha's inability to deliver in her role.

Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu explained that a number of women who were unable to afford maternal fees had found refuge in the programme. she claimed that the CS should bare blame for all child or mothers deaths since halting Linda Mama.

“If President William Ruto cares about this country, then he must sack CS Nakhumicha and bring in someone who will better ensure the provision of medical services to Kenyans in need of healthcare. Nakhumicha must go!” She said.

Mombasa Woman Rep Zamzam Mohammed reminded the Kenya Kwanza administration of their campaign pledges, key among them, provision of quality affordable healthcare to Kenyans, which she said included free diapers and the Linda Mama programme.