The government has issued a strong warning to private healthcare providers, stressing that those who refuse to offer outpatient services may face severe consequences, including the denial of registration with the Social Health Authority (SHA). 

This warning was delivered by Ministry of Health Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai during the launch and presentation of digitization devices in Embu County on March 17, 2025, which is part of the ongoing efforts to implement the Taifa Care health system.

Speaking at the event, PS Kimtai emphasized that SHA is fully operational and that concerns about its effectiveness often stem from non-compliance with established guidelines. 

He pointed to improvements in the benefits package and increased revenue collection as evidence of progress within the system. 

However, he underscored that private hospitals that deny patients outpatient services could face exclusion from SHA registration and the potential shutdown of their facilities if they fail to renew their licenses.

PS Kimtai specifically criticized some private facilities for deliberately turning away outpatients in an attempt to pressure the government into settling outstanding medical claims without proper verification. 

He warned that the government would not succumb to such tactics and insisted that any claim above Ksh. 10 million must be fully substantiated with supporting documentation.

The PS also raised concerns over claims dating back to 2016, questioning why such claims were only being presented now. “Why have these claims not been pursued earlier?” Kimtai asked, signaling the government’s commitment to ensuring that all claims are appropriately scrutinized.

The event also marked the rollout of the Health Management Information System (HMIS) in Embu County, where healthcare administrators were urged to embrace the new digital structure to enhance service delivery. 

This system is designed to improve transparency and accountability in the management and disbursement of SHA funds, ultimately benefiting both private and public healthcare facilities.

The implementation of the new system is part of a broader initiative to digitize healthcare services, with the aim of streamlining processes and improving patient care. The PS reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing primary healthcare services and ensuring accessibility through the SHA.

In Embu County, the government has already disbursed Ksh. 32 million under SHA program to cater for 24,000 outpatients. 

Of this amount, Ksh. 24 million is allocated to public healthcare facilities, while Ksh. 8 million will be allocated to private hospitals participating in the program. The allocation of funds to each county is based on the number of people registered under the SHA program.

At the same time, Moses Kuria, the President’s Economic Adviser for Special Programs, also reinforced the government’s stance, highlighting that patients under SHA are receiving free primary medical services at government facilities. 

He further emphasized that SHA’s focus is on improving both the quality and accessibility of healthcare services nationwide.

The government’s strong stance on ensuring that private healthcare providers adhere to regulations is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of their location or financial means, have access to quality healthcare services.