Odhiambo Criticizes AI Healthcare Model for Harming Poor Kenyans

Former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo has strongly condemned the Social Health Authority (SHA), claiming its AI-based contribution system disproportionately affects low-income individuals while protecting affluent Kenyans from contributing equitably.
In a statement shared on her X platform on May 9, 2026, Odhiambo characterized the healthcare funding mechanism as fundamentally problematic, stating that technology has been turned into an instrument of economic disparity instead of a means of social assistance.
“The AI-powered Social Health Authority (SHA) was presented as a breakthrough in healthcare financing. Nevertheless, the algorithm charges the poorest Kenyans excessively while insufficiently taxing the wealthy,” she explained.
To demonstrate her position, Odhiambo highlighted what she described as an evident disparity within the framework.
“A woman supporting children alone earning Ksh 3,500 each month is now charged Ksh 1,030 for medical coverage. That constitutes digital exploitation of the impoverished,” she asserted.
Odhiambo connected the SHA discussion to the wider societal and economic responsibilities borne by women, especially mothers from underprivileged and working-class communities, noting they already承担 enormous duties frequently unrecognized and unrewarded.
“A mother finding it difficult to provide meals for her family is reduced to an affordability metric by an incomprehensible algorithm that cannot assess fatigue, caregiving, fragility or existence,” she remarked.
She criticized the administration for implementing SHA despite early cautions from professionals and parties who challenged the equity and viability of its structure.
“Numerous reports identified this system as defective and unfair even before its introduction. The Administration decided to advance regardless,” Odhiambo observed.
Referencing low contribution levels among registered participants, she maintained that the existing approach is preventing millions from accessing healthcare services.
“At present, merely 5 million out of 22 million enrolled individuals pay consistently and Kenyans are perishing because they lack funds to visit a medical center,” she mentioned.
Odhiambo asserted that healthcare technology ought to be created to improve people’s lives instead of intensifying social stratification.
“Technology should uphold human worth. This one establishes inequality and labels it algorithmic impartiality. The impoverished are not statistical entries. They are Kenyans who deserve improved medical treatment,” she concluded.
Her comments are expected to fuel the national dialogue on SHA, as apprehensions persist regarding affordability, availability and whether the structure genuinely addresses the healthcare requirements of everyday Kenyans.