Press Statement

Kenyatta National Hospital Implements New Social Health Authority (SHA) Benefits Nairobi, Kenya – October 2, 2024.
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is pleased to announce the successful implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) program, which officially commenced yesterday, on October 1, 2024. As a leading national referral hospital and accredited service provider, KNH has fully operationalized both the Emergency Critical and Chronic Illness Fund (ECCIF) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) across its inpatient and outpatient services. The SHA initiative is a key element of the government’s health sector reforms, aimed at improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. It provides comprehensive healthcare services through empaneled and contracted providers and facilities, based on referrals. Its core objective is to ensure that all Kenyans can access high-quality healthcare without facing financial hardship. In line with the SHA mandate, KNH has ensured that all patients receive care. This includes seamless admission for inpatient services, clearance of discharged patients, and onboarding new patients for outpatient services. KNH Chief Executive Officer, Dr Evanson Kamuri, expressed confidence in the program, stating that the hospital has continued to provide uninterrupted care to all patients, irregardless of registration status. Since the launch of the SHA program, KNH has successfully provided a wide range of essential medical services, including:

• MRI – 26 • CT Scan – 80 • Renal dialysis – 34 • Inpatient admissions – 138 • Chemotherapy – 91 • Radiotherapy – 62

“The implementation of the Social Health Authority at Kenyatta National Hospital is a significant milestone. It aligns with our commitment to delivering world-class healthcare while improving patient satisfaction and healthcare outcomes,” added Dr Kamuri. To ensure a smooth transition, KNH has taken several steps:
  • Conducted extensive staff sensitization on the SHA program.
  • Established help desks in key service areas to educate patients.
  • Displayed posters throughout the hospital encouraging registration.
  • Assigned personnel to manage registration at all pay points.
  • Activated social media platforms to promote nationwide registration.
  • Deployed a dedicated team to sensitize health workers in Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Embu counties on the program’s benefits.
Pre-operative surgeries carried over from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA have been completed, emergency cases have been attended to, and the care of cancer patients has proceeded as scheduled. Dr. Kamuri emphasized that the hospital will continue to provide services to every deserving client. “No one has been denied services or sent home without being attended to. All patients are receiving the appropriate care.” With the Social Health Authority fully operational, Kenyatta National Hospital remains steadfast in its mission to provide world-class, patient-centered specialized care. We urge everybody to register using *147#. Ends