Private Hospitals Risk Losing its License Due to SHA Non-Compliance

Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai at past event. Photo: Courtesy

Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai has cautioned private health facilities for failing to offer SHA services because of pending National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) payments.

While speaking in Embu, he warned private hospitals against using NHIF arrears as leverage to halt providing services to the public.

Some of the risks the hospital faces include registration denial and potential closure.

"From the statistics and data we have seen, we have realized that most of the private facilities are not participating in outpatient services, which is primary healthcare funding," Kimtai stated.

"Private hospitals in Kenya are mandated to deliver outpatient services in accordance with the Social Health Authority (SHA) regulations, which outline specific guidelines for service provision.

The Social Health Authority(SHA) building, October 1, 2024. Photo Social Health Authority

"We have shown them the statistics and we will get to know why they are not participating. Is it because they don't understand the model?"

He stated that all debts under Ksh 10 million would be paid off right away, whereas larger sums would be examined to confirm their eligibility for payment.

"If they (private hospitals) continue like this... if they are not compliant and don’t want to provide services to Kenyans, then they will have to close shop because they are also subject to license renewal," he warned.

SHA has faced significant challenges since over 600 private rural hospitals associated with the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) announced their withdrawal from the Social Health Authority starting Monday, February 24.

This compelled the government to intervene and deny claims made by the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) that it owes them Ksh30 billion.

“A consultative meeting was held on February 24, 2025, between the Ministry of Health and RUPHA leadership, where key resolutions were made to enhance service provision in RUPHA facilities. We wish to clarify that the Government does not owe RUPHA Ksh30 billion, as asserted,” the statement read in part.