Healthcare providers have been given a fresh chance to influence the terms that will govern their dealings with the Social Health Authority (SHA) for nearly three years, with the public invited to review and comment on proposed contracts before they are finalised.
SHA said the new contracting cycle will start on October 1, 2026, and run until June 30, 2029, covering four funds established under the Social Health Insurance framework.
The funds are the Primary Health Care Fund (PHCF), Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF) and Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF).
The authority said it is seeking input from healthcare providers, facilities, their representative bodies and other interested stakeholders as it prepares to enter into new agreements with facilities that meet inspection, licensing and certification requirements.
In a notice issued by CEO Mercy Mwangangi, SHA called on stakeholders to examine the proposed contracts and submit any concerns, suggestions or other views before the documents are concluded.
“The Authority invites all healthcare providers and healthcare facilities, their representative associations and other interested stakeholders to submit any comments, views or representations thereon,” the notice said.
The draft contracts have been made available on the SHA website, alongside an online feedback form where stakeholders can send their submissions.
Those wishing to participate in the consultation have until Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 11:59 pm to submit their comments.
SHA said the exercise is being conducted in line with the constitutional requirement for public participation as well as the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023.
Alongside the call for written submissions, the authority will hold virtual sensitisation meetings on September 9 and 10 to prepare healthcare providers for the new contracting arrangements.
The meetings will explain how the new e-contracting system will work, outline the requirements contained in the contracts and take providers through their main responsibilities.
Providers will also be able to raise questions and seek clarification on issues arising from the contracting process during the sessions.
SHA has divided the virtual meetings according to the level of care of participating facilities.
Level Five and Six facilities are scheduled to attend on Wednesday, September 9, between 9am and 12pm. Level Four facilities will have their session later that day, from 2pm to 4pm.
The following day, Level Three facilities will participate from 9am to 12pm, while Level Two facilities will join the afternoon session running from 2pm to 4pm.
The sessions will be held virtually across all 47 counties, with SHA county offices expected to share meeting links with healthcare providers and facilities in their respective areas.
The authority said involving providers in the process is meant to improve its working relationship with healthcare facilities while making the contracting process more open and accountable.
“This process is designed to deepen collaboration with healthcare providers, enhance transparency and accountability, and to ensure that healthcare providers remain central to the delivery of accessible, quality healthcare to all Kenyans,” the authority said.
The exercise forms part of SHA’s continued move to place healthcare providers under arrangements provided for by the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, which established the authority and the four funds covered by the new contracts.
Healthcare providers and other stakeholders seeking further information or clarification can contact SHA’s contract management team through the designated email address.