Debts, Deletions, and Downgrades: Private Hospitals Bulk as SHA Withholds Billions
Kenya’s promise of universal health coverage now reads as bitter irony as hospitals stagger under KSh 76 billion in unpaid bills...
✨ Key Highlights
Private hospitals in Kenya are on the verge of financial collapse, with the government owing healthcare providers an astounding KSh 76 billion in unpaid bills. This debt, accumulated by the old National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the new Social Health Authority (SHA), threatens patient access and the promise of universal health coverage.
- Outstanding payments total KSh 76 billion: KSh 33 billion from NHIF arrears and KSh 43 billion in SHA reimbursements.
- The Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA), representing over 700 facilities, stated no hospital has received payment despite a directive from President William Ruto.
- The SHA has allegedly deleted over 10,000 inpatient beds and nearly 3,500 maternity beds from its portal, downgrading facilities and impeding reimbursements.
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Government Owes Hospitals KSh 76B as Medical Gas Sector Sees Profit and Investment - August 2025
Private hospitals in Kenya are on the verge of financial collapse, with the government owing healthcare providers an astounding KSh 76 billion in unpaid bills. This debt was accumulated by the old National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the new Social Health Authority (SHA), and it threatens patient access to care. In contrast, the medical gas sector is experiencing growth. BOC Kenya Plc reported its profit after tax soared by 170% to KSh 166.7 million in the first half of 2025, a result primarily fueled by increased demand for industrial and medical gases. Furthering investments in this area, HewaTele has secured US$ 10.5 million to build a new medical oxygen plant for East Africa.
