Private hospitals stop SHA credit, demand cash from patients
RUPHA National Chairperson Dr Brian Lishenga addressing the press on September 22, 2025, at the RUPHA offices in Nairobi.
Private hospitals have suspended services on credit for patients under the Social Health Authority (SHA), directing all beneficiaries to pay cash for treatment.
The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) chairperson, Dr Brian Lishenga, said on Monday that hospitals are sinking under huge debts owed by the Authority.
“SHA owes private hospitals Sh43 billion in verified claims and another Sh24 billion still under review, bringing the total burden to nearly Sh76 billion when pending liabilities since 2017 are included,” he said.
He added that engagements with SHA had failed to resolve the matter, leaving hospitals with no choice but to halt credit.
“Effective today, all healthcare services for SHA beneficiaries at private and faith-based hospitals will be provided on a cash basis unless otherwise stated,” he said.
The move escalates the standoff between private hospitals and the State health insurer, raising fears that millions of Kenyans who depend on SHA will be locked out of care.
“We regret the inconvenience this may cause and assure you that this action is driven by our commitment to keep hospitals open, ensure essential supplies and equipment are available, and allow our staff to continue serving you,” Dr Lishenga said.
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