NAIROBI – The Kenya Private Hospital Association (KAPH) has urged the Ministry of Health and Social Health (SHA) to launch an emergency dialogue over late payments owed to private health providers, calling the ministry unfair and counterproductive threats of closures recently.
The association called after the health principal’s secretary, and warned that private health facilities that refuse to participate in the SHA scheme could face licence revocation and closure.
Kaph Chair Eric Musau said on Monday that the sector remains committed to supporting the government’s Universal Health Insurance (UHC) agenda, but stressed that the private health system is subject to enormous financial burdens due to claims that have not dated back several months ago.
“We want to make it clear that private health providers continue to be committed to supporting the government’s universal health compensation agenda,” Musau said.
“However, it is important to address the true and pressing financial challenges that threaten the sustainability of private hospitals, which was primarily caused by late payments of claims paid under the National Health Insurance Fund.”
Kaph has revealed that several hospitals each exceed 10 million Sherion, with some facilities struggling to meet basic operating costs such as staff salaries, procurement of medical supplies and provision of essential medical services.
“If these obligations are not respected, the entire health care system is at risk,” Musau warned.
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The association called the ministry’s threats at risk for unfortunate, unjust and crippling sectors that contribute significantly to the domestic healthcare delivery.
This standoff occurs during the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in Kenya to SHA. This means Goevernment will streamline healthcare funding and expand access to affordable health services under the government’s flagship UHC programme.
The government demands that it is unacceptable
However, private sector players say the transition is undermined by uncertainty and a backlog of pending claims under the outgoing NHIF framework.
“Private hospitals cannot provide services sustainably under the government health scheme without a timely settlement of claims. It is unacceptable to request ongoing services without payment,” Kaph said.
Kaph is currently seeking immediate involvement with the Ministry of Health and the top SHA officials to resolve outstanding payments and develop a structured implementation plan for the new scheme.
The association also wants full compliance with the Presidential Order issued on March 6, 2025 and is committed to sustainable healthcare financing.
“Achieving UHC is a common goal, but it must be built on mutual respect, fairness and respect for commitment,” Musau added.
The private health sector forms an important part of Kenya’s health care system, caters to a significant proportion of Kenyans, providing important services, especially in underserved areas.
Kaph repeated his willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, but warned that continued delays could have widespread consequences for service delivery in both the private and public sectors.
