By Court News Investigations Desk
Kilifi County’s health sector is on the verge of collapse, crippled by rampant corruption, political interference, and systemic neglect. Behind the image of development lies a deep crisis — hospitals in ruins, unpaid staff, and stolen public funds.
Governor Gideon Mung’aro’s administration is now facing accusations of presiding over one of the most corrupt county health systems in Kenya, with millions allegedly lost to ghost contracts and fraudulent procurement deals.
KSh150 Million Payment Dispute Sparks Uproar
According to a classified report obtained by Court News, the scandal erupted after former County Executive for Finance, Shoshi Yaye, declined to approve suspicious payments totaling KSh150 million for non-pharmaceutical supplies.
Her refusal reportedly infuriated top officials at the Kilifi County Government, leading to her transfer to the Department of Public Service — a move insiders describe as punitive retaliation.
Yaye later resigned in protest, citing systemic corruption and intimidation. The disputed work plan, insiders claim, was prepared under Dr. David Mulewa, Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation Services — and notably, Governor Mung’aro’s brother.
Procurement Deals Behind Closed Doors
Whistle-blowers allege that a small clique of contractors and senior county officers manipulated procurement processes, awarding inflated tenders without following due procedure.
“When Yaye questioned the discrepancies, she was shown the door,” a senior official familiar with the matter told Court News.
Meanwhile, ordinary citizens continue to suffer the consequences of mismanagement. At Mariakani Sub-County Hospital and other health centers, broken beds, expired drugs, and unpaid medical workers have become the norm.
Patients are often forced to buy their own medicine, while others simply go untreated.
Atmosphere of Fear and Intimidation
Health workers describe an environment of fear and surveillance.
“Even our phones are monitored,” said one medical officer, who requested anonymity. “Anyone who questions the system risks transfer or dismissal. Kilifi people are suffering in silence.”
A county driver, Katana Kombo, revealed that ambulance staff are forced to collect ‘fuel money’ from patients due to chronic fuel shortages and delayed allowances.
“The corruption starts from the top,” he added.
Pattern of Corruption and Cover-Ups
This is not Kilifi’s first corruption storm.
In 2023, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) cancelled a KSh103 million tender for a digital revenue system after discovering forged documents.
Earlier, in 2020, EACC detectives arrested senior officials over a non-existent COVID-19 medical complex project whose budget was unaccounted for. Despite arrests, no senior figure was convicted.
According to the 2024 National Ethics and Corruption Survey, Kilifi ranks among Kenya’s top bribery-prone counties, with residents reporting over one bribery incident per public service sought.
From hospital forms to ambulance access, corruption has become an accepted reality.
Private Clinics and Legal Fee Scandals
In October 2025, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) approved charges against Jambo Jipya Medical Centre, a private Kilifi clinic, for fraudulent claims worth KSh2 million submitted to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Auditors also discovered that the county paid over KSh70 million in “legal fees” to law firms that never represented it in court.
Despite multiple EACC arrests for obstruction of investigations, accountability has been minimal. Civil society groups accuse Governor Mung’aro of failing to act against corrupt officers or protect whistle-blowers.
Hospitals in Crisis
Today, Kilifi’s hospitals are underfunded and understaffed.
At some facilities, oxygen runs out for days, and expectant mothers are turned away due to a lack of gloves, syringes, and basic drugs.
“We are watching people die over problems that can be fixed if funds were used properly,” lamented a nurse at Malindi Sub-County Hospital.
Calls for Accountability
Residents and advocacy groups are demanding a forensic audit of both the finance and health departments. They also want Shoshi Yaye reinstated and protected as a whistle-blower.
However, their calls have largely fallen on deaf ears.
Broken Promise of Devolution
The crisis in Kilifi reflects a larger failure in Kenya’s devolved governance system. The promise of devolution — to bring healthcare closer to the people — has turned into a nightmare of corruption, fear, and impunity.
Until Governor Gideon Mung’aro acts decisively to clean up the rot, Kilifi residents will continue to pay with their health, lives, and lost trust.