SHA Sets New Rules for Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers across Kenya are facing new contractual arrangements under changes announced by the Social Health Authority. The new contracting period has been scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026, according to SHA.

The arrangements will remain in place until June 30, 2029, covering facilities participating in SHA-funded healthcare programmes. New agreements have been prepared to define responsibilities, requirements and obligations for participating providers.

The authority has invited healthcare providers, facility representatives and other stakeholders to examine the proposed agreements. Feedback has been requested before the contracts are finalised for the upcoming contracting cycle.

Four Healthcare Funds Included

The proposed framework covers four funds administered within Kenya's social health insurance system. These include the Primary Health Care Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund, Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund and Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund.

Different contractual requirements have been designed for each healthcare financing arrangement. Providers will therefore operate under agreements corresponding to the services and funds covered by their facilities.

The framework has been linked to statutory requirements governing SHA's contracting responsibilities. Healthcare facilities must satisfy inspection, licensing and certification requirements before they can participate in the schemes.

Providers Given Deadline

Healthcare stakeholders have been given until September 10, 2026, to submit comments on the proposed agreements. Submissions will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on the stated deadline.

The consultation process has been presented as an opportunity for providers to raise concerns before implementation. Feedback will also be considered as the authority finalises the contractual framework for the new cycle.

Virtual sensitisation sessions have also been scheduled to familiarise healthcare facilities with the coming arrangements. The sessions will cover e-contracting procedures, contractual requirements and obligations expected from participating providers.

Facilities Grouped by Level

Healthcare facilities have been assigned different sessions according to their levels of care. Levels Five and Six have been scheduled for September 9 between 9 a.m. and noon.

Level Four facilities have been allocated the afternoon session on the same date. Their virtual engagement has been scheduled to run between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Level Three facilities have been scheduled for the morning session on September 10. Level Two facilities have been allocated the afternoon session between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The sensitisation programme will cover healthcare providers across all 47 counties. Meeting links will be distributed through SHA county offices before the respective sessions.

Changes Follow Wider Health Reforms

The contracting changes have emerged as Kenya continues restructuring its national health insurance system. SHA has been moving providers toward arrangements established under the Social Health Insurance Act.

The authority has also been reviewing experiences from the previous contracting cycle. Earlier consultations were conducted to identify challenges and recommendations before preparation of the next provider agreements.

The new contracts are therefore expected to shape relationships between SHA and healthcare providers for nearly three years. Providers have been given an opportunity to influence the final framework before the new contracting period begins.

The process is likely to affect how facilities participate in SHA-funded services across the country. Healthcare providers will need to understand the new requirements before seeking participation under the incoming arrangements.