NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 14 – The Social Health Authority (SHA) has begun disbursing Sh11.1 billion to healthcare providers across the country to settle approved claims under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), in a move aimed at easing financial pressure on hospitals and sustaining healthcare services.
In a notice, the authority said the payments to contracted healthcare facilities officially commenced on March 13 and will be processed in scheduled batches over the coming days.
According to SHA, the disbursement cycle is expected to run through next week and conclude by Thursday, March 19, with all successfully processed and approved SHIF claims scheduled to be settled within the period.
The authority said the staggered payment approach is intended to ensure an orderly and efficient transfer of funds while allowing for standard banking and inter-bank clearing procedures.
Healthcare providers have been advised to allow the full payment cycle to run before raising concerns regarding pending claims.
“Facility administrators are requested to allow the payment cycle to run its course and wait until Thursday, March 19 before raising any inquiries regarding pending funds,” said SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi.
The agency added that support teams will be available from Friday, March 20 to address any outstanding issues or assist healthcare facilities that may not have received payments for approved claims by the end of the disbursement period.
SHA reaffirmed its commitment to working with healthcare providers to ensure uninterrupted delivery of quality medical services to Kenyans.
The authority was established under the Social Health Insurance Act 2023 as part of sweeping health sector reforms introduced by the administration of William Ruto aimed at expanding access to affordable healthcare.
Under the new framework, the Social Health Insurance Fund finances a broad range of health services for registered members, with contributions collected through the national digital platform and remitted to accredited healthcare providers after verification of claims.
However, the rollout of the new system has faced criticism from some healthcare providers over delays in claims processing and reimbursement, with hospitals warning that prolonged payment backlogs could disrupt service delivery.
The government has maintained that the transition from NHIF to SHA required significant system upgrades and verification processes but has pledged to clear verified claims and streamline payment cycles to restore confidence among healthcare providers.
