Surprisingly, Kandiege Sub-County Hospital, a Level 4 facility in rural Homa Bay, topped the payout list, receiving Ksh54.3 million.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has kicked off the 2025/26 financial year with a major boost to Kenya’s healthcare sector, disbursing over Ksh6 billion to hospitals nationwide. This critical payout marks a key step in settling pending medical claims and strengthening the financial stability of health facilities, bringing the country closer to its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.
Topping the overall recipient list were major public facilities, including Kenyatta National Hospital, which received the largest share at Ksh341.4 million, followed by Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital with Ksh190.6 million, and Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital with Ksh107.8 million.
Notably, public hospitals received six of the top ten highest payments, alongside three faith-based organisations and one private hospital—Top Hill Brain and Spine Hospital—which received Ksh56.9 million. Surprisingly, the Level 4 Kandiege Sub-County Hospital in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County, was among the highest-paid public hospitals, receiving Ksh54.3 million in reimbursement.
The disbursements come as the SHA continues to gain momentum in registering Kenyans under the new healthcare system. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently revealed that over 23 million Kenyans have been registered to SHA, with 5.48 million people having undergone Means Testing.
‘Lipa SHA Pole Pole’ marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s healthcare transformation
A significant breakthrough has been the uptake among informal sector workers, with Duale noting that over 1.8 million informal sector contributors had enrolled and made payments through “Lipa SHA Pole Pole”, an initiative which allows flexible payments either daily, weekly, or monthly depending on income flow, and can also be paid using the Hustler Fund.
The “Lipa SHA Pole Pole” initiative was officially launched by President William Ruto during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations held at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s healthcare transformation. Also known as Lipa SHA Mos Mos, this payment option allows people in Kenya to remit SHA payments in affordable daily, weekly or monthly instalments.
The SHA operates under the broader Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) framework, which replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in October 2024. Under the new system, salaried individuals contribute 2.75 per cent of gross salary with a minimum contribution of Ksh300 per month and no maximum contribution, while non-salaried persons contribute 2.75 per cent of annual household income with a minimum contribution of Ksh300 per month and no maximum contribution.
The substantial hospital disbursements and innovative payment mechanisms represent Kenya’s ambitious push towards achieving UHC for all citizens, regardless of their employment status or income patterns.
