Healthcare Crisis Looms as Hospitals Face Ultimatum Over SHA Contract Renewals

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has announced an extension for healthcare facilities to renew their contracts under the new contracting cycle for 2026-2029. SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi confirmed that the deadline for this crucial process has been pushed to October 14. This extension comes after previous deadlines, including September 30 and an initial date of October 1, 2026, had lapsed, granting providers an additional 14 days to complete the necessary procedures.

Healthcare facilities that fail to finalize their contract renewals by the new October 14 deadline will no longer be able to provide services to patients covered under the SHA scheme. During this 14-day extension period, facilities will continue operating under their existing contracts. However, CEO Mwangangi emphasized that “at the end of the 14 days, the existing contracts will lapse and no further extension will be granted.”

To maintain continuity of services, healthcare providers are required to accept and sign their extended contracts through the e-contracting platform, returning the agreement within three days of receiving the extension. Mwangangi clarified that “Service provision to SHA beneficiaries will only continue in facilities that accept the 14-day extension period.”

The SHA reported that a significant number of providers, precisely 10,006, have already expressed interest and are at various stages of the contracting process. To support facilities in completing their applications for the 2026-2029 cycle, the authority will host dedicated Hakika contracting clinics. These clinics will be held in every county, starting Monday, October 5, through SHA's county offices. The schedule and specific requirements for providers will be made available on the SHA website.

Furthermore, facilities that have not yet completed the renewal process and are currently providing ongoing care to patients have been directed to collaborate with their respective SHA county managers. This collaboration is crucial for arranging the seamless transfer of these patients to contracted providers, ensuring uninterrupted care. Facilities possessing all the required documentation are strongly encouraged to complete their contracting process promptly, without waiting until the final October 14 deadline.