On February 20, 2025, the Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF) convened its members—a powerful coalition of private healthcare providers, financial institutions, and sector stakeholders—to address pressing challenges in healthcare financing and system reforms. Against the backdrop of Kenya’s transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA), the meeting focused on bridging gaps in Universal Health Coverage (UHC), resolving payment delays, and unlocking innovative solutions for sustainable healthcare delivery.
Key Issues Discussed: Navigating Challenges, Forging Solutions
1. Panel Discussion: Navigating the Healthcare Financing Space
Moderated by Dr. Noelle Orata (Chairperson, KACO), experts dissected critical topics:
SHA Performance & Transition Gaps:
While SHA aims to advance UHC, only 70% of claims have been paid, with no provider receiving more than 40% of their dues.
Delays have strained private hospitals, particularly faith-based facilities, impacting service quality and supplier debts.
Financing Crisis & Solutions:
Banks proposed structured credit lines, invoice discounting, and private capital partnerships to ease cash flow bottlenecks.
Calls for SHA to diversify funding beyond government allocations and adopt reforms to better serve private providers.
2. Government Commitments: Turning Promises into Action
Hon. Moses Kuria (Presidential Advisor) outlined actionable steps:
Pending Bills: Accelerated verification of pre-June 2022 NHIF debts via the Ouko Commission, with repayment tied to exchequer funds.
SHA Claims: Full settlement of current SHA claims by March 2025, transitioning to real-time monthly payments.
Digitization Drive: All 7,000 government health facilities to be digitized by September 2025, enhancing transparency.
Financial Innovations: Exploring guarantees, private investor partnerships, and mortgage-style products to unlock liquidity.
“We will work with KHF to present unpaid claims to Parliament and ensure no facility pays illegal fees to MCSK for music licenses.”
— Hon. Moses Kuria
KHF Committee Updates: Progress Across Sectors
1. Supply Chain & Regulatory Compliance
KEMSA Reforms: Collaborative efforts to streamline medical supply chains and address stockouts.
Quality Standards: Advocacy for the Quality of Care Bill to standardize service delivery and data governance.
2. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
Enhanced engagement with KEPSA to drive sector innovation.
Inclusive healthcare initiatives prioritizing mental health and disability inclusion.
3. Digital Health Integration
Private facilities urged to adopt interoperable systems, aligning with the government’s “digital superhighway” for seamless claims tracking.
Action Points: Roadmap to Stability
Government: Fast-track pending bill payments, digitize facilities, and deploy financial safety nets.
Private Sector: Improve financial literacy, engage banks for tailored solutions, and advocate for policy reforms.
KHF: Strengthen member communication, support digitization, and amplify patient education on SHA benefits.
Conclusion: Unity in Purpose for a Healthier Kenya
The members meeting marked a pivotal step toward stabilizing Kenya’s healthcare ecosystem. With commitments to timely payments, digitization, and innovative financing, stakeholders are cautiously optimistic. As KHF CEO remarked, “Collaboration—not isolation—will drive resilience.” The path ahead demands vigilance, but the collective resolve of government, financiers, and providers offers hope for equitable, sustainable care.
