On 4th March 2025, the Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF), joined by the RUPHA, Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH), and the Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK), convened with the Parliamentary Health Committee to assess progress and challenges in the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA). The meeting highlighted urgent systemic issues threatening healthcare quality and outlined actionable steps to safeguard service delivery.
Key Issues Discussed
Legacy NHIF Debt: Stakeholders emphasized the critical need to address the verified KES 24 billion legacy debt owed by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). This debt, accumulated over the years, has strained healthcare providers, delaying payments for services and undermining operational stability.
Primary Healthcare Functionality: Concerns were raised about gaps in primary healthcare infrastructure, including staffing shortages, inadequate resources, and inconsistent service accessibility. Participants stressed that strengthening primary care is vital to reducing pressure on tertiary facilities and ensuring equitable health outcomes.
Regulatory Challenges: Complex and overlapping regulations, bureaucratic delays, and insufficient coordination between agencies were cited as barriers to efficient SHA implementation. Streamlining processes and enhancing inter-institutional collaboration were flagged as priorities.
Parliamentary Health Committee’s Response
The committee acknowledged that SHA’s challenges have evolved beyond initial rollout hurdles, now posing a direct risk to the quality and sustainability of healthcare services. Chairperson Hon. Jane Mwangi stated, “What began as teething problems now demand systemic solutions. We cannot afford to overlook these threats to Kenya’s health sector.”
Agreed Action Points
Debt Settlement: The committee committed to fast-tracking payment of the KES 24 billion NHIF debt to alleviate financial pressures on providers.
High-Level Engagement: A follow-up meeting will be held with SHA leadership, the Ministry of Health, and the National Treasury to formalize strategies for addressing the raised issues.
Private Sector Collaboration: Quarterly dialogues with private sector stakeholders will be institutionalized to foster partnership and address emerging concerns proactively.
Looking Ahead
The outcomes signal a pivotal shift toward collaborative problem-solving. By prioritizing debt clearance, regulatory reforms, and sustained engagement, stakeholders aim to fortify Kenya’s healthcare system against systemic risks. The next meeting, slated for April 2025, will focus on actionable timelines and resource allocation.
This engagement underscores the shared commitment to transforming challenges into opportunities for a resilient, inclusive health sector. Stay tuned for further updates as stakeholders work toward sustainable solutions.
