Kenyans have recently taken to social media to express deep frustration with the state of the country’s health sector. On X, the hashtag #DualeMustGo has gained momentum, with thousands of citizens calling for the resignation of Aden Duale, the Cabinet Secretary for Health.
The growing anger is linked to claims of corruption, favoritism, and mismanagement within the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority.
Many Kenyans believe that public resources are being wasted while hospitals and health workers continue to struggle with shortages
.A major source of anger involves the allocation of large amounts of money to small or questionable health facilities. For example, a nursing home in Modogashe reportedly received more than 6.8 million shillings in June, yet locals say it operates from a single room between shops and homes.
Records from the Ministry of Health describe it as a larger hospital with beds and maternity services, but physical checks show otherwise.
In Mandera, another supposed hospital, Jabii Nursing Home, was paid 5.53 million shillings even though residents insist no such facility exists near the listed location.
These revelations have raised strong suspicions that non-existent or under-equipped facilities are receiving funds meant for real hospitals.
Other regions show a similar pattern. In Wajir, a facility known as Ladnan received 66 million shillings, an amount that shocked many Kenyans. In Turkana, Alsaland Hospital was given more than 4 million shillings, though its listed address points to a building with vacant rooms and even a pub.
In Kisii, Trenya Hospital received 4.3 million shillings despite doubts about its capacity. Skovic Health Care Services in Mount Elgon, described as two small rooms in a shared building, reportedly got more than 3 million shillings, surpassing some larger referral hospitals.
Critics argue that many of these facilities were only recently registered, raising suspicions of rushed approvals and insider connections.
The controversy is not only about money. The treatment of healthcare workers has also fueled discontent. Recently, 306 nurse interns had their postings canceled because they presented completion letters instead of official degree certificates.
Yet doctors and pharmacists in similar situations were allowed to continue, sparking accusations of discrimination. Supporters of the nurses argue that they had been verified several times and qualified for the internships.
This issue led to the rise of hashtags like #Reinstate306 and #OccupyMoH, as protests and online campaigns intensified.
Public frustration has now extended to the highest levels of government. Some Kenyans have linked the health crisis to President William Ruto’s leadership, using #RutoMustGo alongside #DualeMustGo.
Citizens argue that while patients in real hospitals go without medicine, taxpayer money is being diverted to ghost facilities.
Activists have called for audits and urged whistleblowers in financial institutions to release information on the payments.
The online uproar shows how corruption in healthcare affects ordinary lives. Many Kenyans feel abandoned as leaders prioritize questionable deals over the health of citizens. Whether the pressure will force change is still uncertain, but the voices demanding accountability are growing louder each day, reflecting a nation tired of seeing its health system fail.
