Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA) has extended the deadline for healthcare providers to complete their contracting requirements to December 31, 2026, giving hospitals, clinics and other health facilities additional time to meet outstanding obligations and maintain access to healthcare services.
In a notice dated October 15, SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mercy Mwangangi announced that existing healthcare provider contracts, which were due to expire on October 14, would remain valid until the end of the year.
The extension reverses an earlier position by the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors, which had indicated that the October 14 deadline would not be extended further.
According to SHA, the additional time is intended to help facilities resolve outstanding contracting issues, complete the required documentation and prepare for the next contracting cycle without disrupting services for beneficiaries.
The new contracting cycle is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027. People Daily
Existing hospital contracts remain valid
Under the revised arrangement, healthcare provider contracts covering the 2024–2026 period will remain in force through December 31, 2026.
This allows facilities with valid existing contracts to continue serving SHA beneficiaries under the current arrangements while completing the requirements for the new contracting cycle.
The extension is particularly important for facilities that had encountered administrative, technical or documentation challenges during the contracting process.
However, the additional time does not remove the obligation to complete the process. SHA has directed providers to ensure that their new contracts are signed and effective by December 31.
Facilities should therefore use the extension to resolve outstanding issues rather than assume that the deadline will be extended again.
SHA lifts moratorium on selected documents
Although healthcare providers have been given more time, SHA has directed facilities to submit all mandatory documentation required for contracting.
The authority said the earlier moratorium on selected documents no longer applies. Providers must therefore ensure that their applications meet the applicable documentation and compliance requirements.
The requirements are intended to support verification of facilities, professional licences and regulatory compliance before providers enter the new contracting cycle.
Facilities experiencing difficulties have been encouraged to seek assistance through the HAKIKA contracting clinics operating at SHA county offices.
These clinics are intended to help providers understand the requirements, address outstanding issues and complete their applications through the authority’s electronic contracting platform.
What the extension means for patients
For patients, the extension provides additional reassurance that facilities with valid existing contracts can continue offering covered services to SHA beneficiaries during the transition period.
Without the extension, the expiry of existing contracts could have created uncertainty for hospitals and patients, particularly those receiving ongoing treatment.
However, the extension should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every facility or service is covered under SHA. Patients should confirm their facility’s current contracting status and the applicable benefit and referral requirements when seeking care.
The government and SHA will also need to ensure that the transition does not create unnecessary delays in treatment, patient referrals or access to essential medicines and procedures.
Valid claims to be honoured
SHA has assured healthcare providers that valid claims submitted during the extension period will be honoured.
This is an important consideration for hospitals that depend on reimbursements to pay staff, purchase medicines and medical supplies, and maintain daily operations.
The assurance comes amid wider concerns raised by healthcare providers about claims processing, reimbursement delays, tariffs, pre-authorisation procedures and the reliability of digital systems.
The new contracting framework, known as HAKIKA, is intended to establish clearer contractual obligations, improve transparency and support more predictable payment arrangements between SHA and healthcare providers.
For these reforms to achieve their intended impact, providers will need clear guidance on claims requirements, timely communication about rejected claims and reliable systems for tracking reimbursement progress.
HAKIKA introduces a new contracting framework
The extension comes as SHA implements the 2026–2029 HAKIKA contracting cycle, launched in September alongside an electronic contracting platform.
The platform allows healthcare providers to submit applications, upload documentation, verify licences, execute contracts and track their application progress digitally.
The framework is intended to improve coordination between SHA and providers by clarifying contractual terms, reimbursement arrangements, quality standards and dispute-resolution procedures.
However, the success of the new system will depend on its practical implementation. Facilities need accessible technical support, clear requirements and reliable digital services to complete the process efficiently.
The government will also need to monitor whether the reforms lead to more predictable payments, fewer administrative disputes and improved continuity of care.
What healthcare providers need to do before December 31
Healthcare providers should use the extended period to:
- Review their contracting status and identify outstanding requirements.
- Submit all mandatory documentation and confirm that relevant licences remain valid.
- Complete and sign the new contract through the SHA electronic contracting platform.
- Seek assistance from SHA county offices or HAKIKA contracting clinics where technical or administrative challenges persist.
- Keep accurate records of services delivered and claims submitted during the extension period.
Facilities should also communicate with patients about any service-specific contracting or referral requirements that may affect access to care.
The way forward
SHA’s decision to extend the contracting deadline offers temporary certainty for healthcare providers and beneficiaries as Kenya transitions to a new contracting cycle.
The immediate priority is to ensure that facilities use the additional time to complete their requirements and that patients continue receiving covered services without unnecessary disruption.
At the same time, the authority must address the operational concerns that have complicated the contracting process, particularly digital system reliability, documentation requirements and reimbursement predictability.
The ultimate test will be whether the extension and the HAKIKA framework deliver a more transparent contracting process, more reliable payments to healthcare providers and uninterrupted access to healthcare for Kenyans.
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