On June 11, 2025, key leaders from the Social Health Authority (SHA), Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF), and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) met at KCB’s Kencom offices to explore innovative ways to strengthen collaboration in support of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and sustainable healthcare financing in Kenya.
Key Highlights from the Meeting:
- Accelerating Health Sector Growth
Opening remarks from SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi and KHF Chair Dr. Gakombe underscored the growing reliance on private healthcare providers and the need for equitable, quality care. SHA’s four funds; Primary Healthcare, Emergency, SHIF, and the Public Servants Scheme, remain central pillars for driving UHC. All parties committed to identifying quick wins to drive impact.
- Claims Payment Support Through Invoice Discounting
Recognizing the financial strain from delayed claim disbursements, KCB presented its invoice discounting solution for hospitals. SHA agreed to support this by providing claims approval data, hospital payment undertakings, and historical claims information to help KCB assess creditworthiness.
- Improving Reconciliation of SHA Receipts
Efforts are underway to match PRNs against actual payments received via RTGS and EFT to streamline reconciliation. A resolution is expected by end of June.
- Driving Informal Sector Contributions via Digital Innovation
To expand coverage among informal workers, SHA and KCB will collaborate through API integrations that enable means testing and flexible contributions, with deliverables targeted for July.
- Empowering Health Workers and Ecosystem Partners
KCB shared its tailored offerings for healthcare professionals under its Doctors CVP and proposed extending relevant solutions across the health ecosystem. Further collaboration is planned by June 30.
- Diaspora Contributions Platform Nearing Launch
An integrated e-commerce solution enabling diaspora-based Kenyans to contribute to SHA is almost complete. A joint public announcement is scheduled once finalized.
- Awareness Creation Through Joint Training
KCB and SHA agreed to jointly conduct awareness campaigns about SHA benefits, targeting organized groups and communities through the KCB Foundation.
- Support for KEMSA Supplier Financing
To enhance supply chain stability, SHA, KCB, and hospitals are discussing contract adjustments that support new hospital payment structures for KEMSA supplies.
Next Steps:
Action items were assigned across stakeholders, with most deliverables expected by June 30, 2025. This meeting marked a critical step toward creating sustainable, inclusive healthcare financing models that work for both providers and patients