The Social Health Authority (SHA) has given healthcare providers across Kenya until September 30, 2026, to complete new service contracts or risk losing access to beneficiaries from October 1.
Under the new 2026–2029 contracting cycle, existing agreements will expire at 11:59pm on September 30. Facilities that have not completed the process will have their access to the SHA provider portal switched off, according to a notice issued by SHA chief executive Dr Mercy Mwangangi.
“The Social Health Authority notifies all healthcare providers/healthcare facilities that current provider contracts will expire on 30 September 2026 at 11:59pm,” SHA said.
The authority has urged facilities that want to continue serving SHA beneficiaries to complete their applications through the SHA E-Contracting Portal before the deadline. The portal allows facilities to submit, track and sign their contracts online.
Facilities that do not complete the process have also been asked to make arrangements for patients already receiving care to be transferred to contracted providers to minimise disruptions to treatment.
“All providers are urged to complete outstanding contracting requirements promptly to avoid interruptions to services for beneficiaries,” the authority said.
New requirements for healthcare providers
The deadline comes alongside a separate requirement for healthcare providers to comply with Health Management Information System (HMIS) standards.
SHA extended the deadline for facilities to complete the required digital health system configuration and compliance processes to September 30.
The new contracting cycle is expected to run through June 30, 2029, with SHA using the process to review and contract facilities that provide services to beneficiaries.
Hospitals raise concerns over contract terms
The contracting process has also drawn concerns from sections of the private healthcare sector.
Private and faith-based hospital associations have questioned provisions in the proposed 2026–2029 agreements, including clauses relating to government funding and delayed payments. Recent reporting has highlighted concerns from private hospitals over the terms of the new contracts.
SHA, however, has maintained the September 30 deadline and warned that providers without completed contracts will not be able to serve its beneficiaries from October 1.
Healthcare providers seeking clarification have been directed to use SHA’s customer service channels.
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