The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The government has moved to address the crisis triggered by the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA), which suspended provision of healthcare under the Social Health Authority (SHA) citing billions in unpaid arrears.
RUPHA, which represents private hospitals serving rural and underserved urban communities, halted services for SHA patients on September 22, 2025, after a two-week notice lapsed. The association accused the government of failing to clear more than Sh30 billion inherited from the defunct NHIF, forcing facilities to demand cash payments from patients to remain operational.
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The suspension has left millions of Kenyans stranded, particularly in areas with limited access to public healthcare. Expectant mother Naomi Waithera, for instance, was informed she would require a Caesarean section but her husband expressed fear over raising the money, highlighting the burden families now face.
RUPHA chairman Dr. Brian Lishenga warned that without urgent reforms and debt clearance, private hospitals cannot sustain healthcare delivery, calling for a “Marshall Plan” to rescue SHA.
In response, the government admitted the crisis stems from delayed NHIF claims and ongoing SHA adjustments. A statement from Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura revealed that the Ministry of Health has rolled out a digital claims system to fast-track payments and is working with Treasury to progressively clear Sh76 billion in legacy debts.
“Engagements with RUPHA and other stakeholders are ongoing to restore confidence and prevent disruption of patient care. No Kenyan will be denied access to healthcare,” said Dr. Mwaura.
Health CS Aden Duale separately met private providers and SHA officials, assuring them that hospitals owed between Sh1 million and Sh10 million would soon receive priority payments amounting to Sh5.3 billion. Larger claims will be verified by an independent committee before settlement.
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The government further pledged to strengthen partnerships with private and faith-based providers in the rollout of the Taifa Care Universal Health Programme, while introducing reforms to ensure timely payments under SHA for sustainable universal healthcare
