The Social Health Authority (SHA) has issued a warning to hospitals and other health facilities ahead of the implementation of new contracts that will govern how healthcare providers offer services under the scheme.
The new contracting arrangements are set to take effect on October 1, 2026, with SHA expected to begin a fresh contracting cycle covering health facilities and providers offering services to its members.
The authority has been reviewing its agreements with healthcare providers as part of efforts to streamline the management of health services under the Taifa Care programme.
Under the new arrangements, facilities will be required to meet the conditions set by SHA before they can continue offering covered services to members.
SHA has also reminded providers that claims will be handled in line with the terms of the new contracts, making compliance important for facilities seeking payment for services provided.
The contracting cycle will run from October 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029.
The new contracts cover services financed through the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHCF), Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF) and the Primary Healthcare Fund for the relevant outpatient services.
SHA tightens provider requirements
The fresh contracts come as SHA moves to strengthen its relationship with healthcare providers and improve accountability in the delivery of services.
Health facilities will be expected to comply with the authority’s requirements when treating SHA members and submitting claims for payment.
The changes are also intended to create clearer arrangements between the authority and providers on the services covered and how payments will be processed.
SHA has previously faced pressure over delayed payments and complaints from some healthcare providers, with the authority seeking to improve the claims and payment system.
The authority has continued to expand its network of contracted facilities as more Kenyans are brought into the Taifa Care system.
By September 2026, more than 32.6 million Kenyans had been registered under SHA, while 11,197 healthcare providers had been contracted to provide services to members.
The government has also said it is working to strengthen the system by ensuring that public funds allocated to healthcare are properly managed and reach facilities providing services to Kenyans.
