Private hospitals under The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA), has suspended services under the Social Health Authority (SHA), citing delayed and unsettled payments.
In a statement released on Monday September 22, 2025, RUPHA announced that healthcare services in private facilities for SHA beneficiaries will be provided on cash basis.
This comes even as the Ministry of Health maintains its position on the viability of SHA.
“Please be advised that, effective today, all healthcare services (unless otherwise stated) at this facility for Social Health Authority (SHA) beneficiaries will be provided on a cash basis,” the notice read in part.
”This change follows a directive by the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA), which represents private hospitals nationwide. The decision has been taken due to delayed and unsettled payments by SHA, which has made it unsustainable for hospitals to continue offering services on credit,” the statement continued.
Speaking on Monday at a press conference, RUPHA chairperson Brian Lishenga revealed that SHA owed private hospitals Ksh 76 billion. He added that the debt has hugely interfered with the facilities’ operations.
“We will not be extending credit to SHA. They have already proven to be a bad borrower and a bad debtor. Hospitals have already advanced SHA credit worth Ksh 76 billion. How much more do they want?” Lishenga said.
Despite the inconveniences caused by the decision, RUPHA asserted that it remains in ongoing talks with the Ministry of Health to ensure the resumption of SHA services.
The association however noted that the decision was necessary to guarantee that hospitals remain operational and availability of essential supplies and equipment.
“We regret the inconvenience this may cause and assure you that this action is driven by our commitment to ensure that Hospitals remain open, essential supplies and equipment are available, and our staff can continue to serve you with the highest standards of care. We remain hopeful that these issues will be resolved promptly and that normal service arrangements with SHA will resume,” RUPHA ‘s statement added.
