Private hospitals across Kenya have suspended services to patients covered by the Social Health Authority (SHA) after raising concerns over unpaid claims running into billions of shillings.
The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA) announced that, effective Monday, September 22, 2025, routine and elective services will no longer be offered on credit to SHA members. Instead, hospitals will only accept cash payments to ensure continued operations.
RUPHA Chairperson Brian Lishenga said the decision was reached after repeated delays in payments from SHA, which have now accumulated to Ksh 76 billion. He accused the authority of being a “bad borrower and a bad debtor,” adding that hospitals could no longer sustain services without reimbursement.
“Anybody who knows they are being conned must draw the line. SHA has already proven it cannot meet its obligations. Enough is enough,” Lishenga stated.
While emergency and critical care will still be provided, patients will be required to pay cash. This move, RUPHA explained, is to prevent denial of life-saving treatment while protecting private hospitals from further financial strain.
The association also expressed disappointment with what it described as ungrateful treatment from government officials. Lishenga noted that despite extending billions in credit, private hospitals have been publicly labeled as fraudsters and cartels.
RUPHA emphasized that the suspension is not aimed at punishing patients but at safeguarding the sustainability of private healthcare services. The group further said it remains open to dialogue with the government and urged SHA to honor its agreements.
“This is about accountability. Hospitals cannot operate without essential supplies and staff. If payments are not made, care will collapse,” RUPHA warned.
The standoff now raises questions about the stability of SHA and the impact on millions of Kenyans relying on the scheme.
