The Social Health Authority (SHA) has mandated all contracted healthcare facilities in Kenya to provide emergency medical treatment without denying or delaying care due to patients' inability to pay. This directive, effective immediately, was issued on 1 August 2026 and signed by SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi.
Under the new guidelines, no patient presenting with an emergency can be refused treatment, transferred, or referred solely because they lack funds, benefit confirmation, or a financial guarantee. The directive reinforces the constitutional right to emergency care as stipulated in Article 43(2) of the Kenyan Constitution.
Funding and Patient Transfer Protocols
Emergency care costs during the first 24 hours will be covered by the Emergency, Critical and Chronic Illness Fund (ECCIF). Subsequent care expenses will be handled through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) or other applicable payment mechanisms.
Facilities unable to continue treatment must stabilise patients before any referral, following the Ministry of Health’s Referral Guidelines and SHA contractual terms.
Enforcement and Compliance
- SHA will impose strict penalties, including de-empanelment and contract termination, on providers denying or delaying emergency care due to financial reasons.
- Additional regulatory actions may be pursued against offending institutions or individuals.
- The notice targets hospital leadership and emergency department staff to ensure immediate adherence.
Patients and healthcare providers can contact SHA through their toll-free line at 147 or visit www.sha.go.ke. The authority’s offices are located at SHA Building, Ragati Road, Community, Nairobi.
