The Social Health Authority (SHA) has initiated a comprehensive review of its healthcare provider contracting system as it prepares for the 2026–2028 contract renewal cycle. This nationwide exercise invites hospitals and accredited healthcare facilities to contribute feedback aimed at improving the contracting process.

Engagement and Feedback Process

Announced on August 1, 2026, the review involves multiple stakeholder engagement activities, including ten regional forums, thematic focus group discussions, and an online survey accessible via the SHA Provider Portal. Healthcare providers across Kenya are encouraged to participate to share their experiences from the 2024–2026 contracting period and recommend improvements.

  • Regional forums will be held in Nyeri, Embu, Machakos, Eldoret, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nairobi, Garissa, Nakuru, and Kakamega.
  • Invitations and coordination for these forums will be managed through respective SHA County Offices.
  • The online survey allows providers to submit input conveniently and complements the in-person discussions.

Objectives of the Review

SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mercy Mwangangi emphasized that the review aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and responsive contracting framework. The consultations seek to identify operational challenges related to administrative procedures, claims management, digital system integration, and contractual obligations.

This initiative aligns with ongoing reforms under Kenya’s universal health coverage programme to enhance service delivery and provider accountability.

Digital Integration and Compliance

In a related development, SHA has mandated that all contracted and prospective healthcare providers integrate accredited Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) with its digital platform. This requirement is critical for eligibility in the upcoming contract cycle, with non-compliant facilities facing exclusion from future contracts or SHA-funded programmes.

The digital transition aims to streamline claims processing, improve fraud detection, and enable real-time verification of services, with a three-month deadline set for full integration.

Context of Broader Health Sector Reforms

These contracting reforms are part of wider changes following the establishment of SHA, which replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) as Kenya’s national health purchaser. The authority now contracts both public and private healthcare providers through standardized accreditation and payment mechanisms designed to improve healthcare accessibility and accountability nationwide.

Feedback gathered during this review will directly shape the next provider contracting cycle, enhancing the overall healthcare financing system to better serve patients and providers alike.