The Social Health Authority (SHA) has issued a firm directive to all hospitals under its contract, warning against denying or postponing emergency medical care due to patients’ inability to settle payments upfront.
According to a notice released on August 1, 2026, every Kenyan is constitutionally entitled to emergency treatment, which must be provided without delay or refusal based on financial constraints. The SHA emphasized that no patient should be denied, referred, or transferred solely because they cannot pay, lack insurance confirmation, or fail to provide advance deposits.
Funding and Referral Protocols
Emergency services rendered within the first 24 hours will be funded by the Emergency, Critical and Chronic Illness Fund (ECCIF). Subsequent eligible care will be covered through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) or other agreed payment mechanisms.
Hospitals unable to continue managing a patient are required to stabilize them before transferring to another contracted facility, following Ministry of Health referral guidelines.
Enforcement Measures
- Healthcare providers violating the directive face de-empanelment and contract termination.
- Hospital leadership and emergency staff must ensure all clinical and administrative teams comply immediately.
Additional SHA Warnings
Separately, the SHA cautioned informal sector workers, including traders, boda boda riders, and casual laborers, against delaying mandatory health insurance contributions. Late payments will incur a 2% penalty on outstanding amounts, and access to healthcare services will be suspended until all dues and penalties are cleared.
This move aligns with ongoing efforts to uphold constitutional rights and strengthen access to emergency healthcare for all Kenyans.
