National Hospital Insurance Fund  CEO Peter Kamunya is now facing threats of being kicked out by the board as a result of conflict arising from the secondary school cover contracts.

Lewis Nguyai who chairs the board revealed that the CEO had overstepped his mandate and  assumed powers that were not within his role.

By acting unilaterally, Peter Kamunya insubordinated all members of the board.

Dr.Peter Kamunya single-handedly revoked 17 contracts of healthcare providers that are enlisted under the scheme a decision that should be taken in consensus.

The board of the national health insurer is as a result taking punitive measures against Peter Kamunya who failed to follow NHIF’s protocol for revocation of contracts.

Peter Kamunya defended the move saying that there were reports that brought to the surface irregularities in the Comprehensive Secondary School Students Medical Scheme, popular as EduAfya.

The program was rolled out under Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration under the Universal Health Coverage outlined in the Big Four Agenda.

As a mitigation measure, Peter Kamunya canceled the contracts awarded by the national insurer to the health providers. The board has since questioned the move and his authority to act in such a manner.

Attempts by the 17 health providers to get more details on the irregularities that the reports unearthed bore no fruit. The health providers lodged their complaints to Mr.Ngaruiya through a letter seeking reasons for revoking their contracts.

“He has not responded to my letter over the revocation of contracts for some 17 healthcare providers. He has refused to respond to claims that staff is seeking inducements to reinstate the contracts. He needs to be disciplined and that we will do shortly.”Mr.Nguyai told journalists.

Lewis Nguyai stated that even though Peter Kamunya’s contract expires in April the board seeks to have him ousted as soon as possible. 

By the NHIF Act revocation of health providers’ contracts is the mandate of the board.

The procedure of revocation is also spelt out as:

•Board informs the healthcare provider in writing citing reasons for the revocation of the contract.

•The health facility responds in seven days in writing

•The board then publishes the names of the health providers whose contract has been terminated in the Kenya Gazette and three newspapers with nationwide circulation.