- The Social Health Authority (SHA) will begin publicly disclosing payments to health facilities next week to enhance transparency.
- A Claims Tracking Dashboard has been launched to speed up payments, with nationwide training for health providers.
- By the end of March 2025, 15 high-volume hospitals will join the Health Information Exchange (HIE) system for seamless patient data sharing.
- A 24-hour Call Center is being established to assist with healthcare access, registration, and claims tracking.
- A new financing model will base payments on actual patient numbers rather than insurance status.
- Expanded health benefits include increased ICU/HDU coverage and higher oncology care support.
Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Deborah Barasa on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, announced a series of reforms aimed at overhauling Kenya’s healthcare sector.
Speaking during a media briefing, Kabeyi—who has been under scrutiny over the failures of the Social Health Authority (SHA)—outlined new measures to enhance transparency and efficiency in service delivery.
“To promote transparency, the Social Health Authority (SHA) will begin publicly disclosing payments to health facilities next week,” Barasa stated. She further revealed that the Ministry of Health has introduced a Claims Tracking Dashboard to speed up payments to health facilities, with nationwide training underway to improve claim submissions.
By the end of March 2025, 15 high-volume hospitals will be integrated into the Health Information Exchange (HIE) system, allowing seamless sharing of patient data across medical institutions.
Additionally, a 24-hour Call Center is being established to assist Kenyans with healthcare access, patient registration, and claims tracking.
New Financing Model and Taifa Care Reforms
CS Barasa emphasized the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), introducing a new financing model where payments to hospitals will be based on the actual number of patients served rather than insurance status.
“This ensures fairness, efficiency, and accountability, with primary healthcare services now fully tax-funded,” she stated.
Barasa also highlighted Taifa Care as Kenya’s most ambitious health program, urging stakeholders to support its implementation.
Support for Vulnerable Groups and Expanded Benefits
To ensure financial support for vulnerable groups, the Means Testing Model (MTM) will be finalized by Friday, March 7, 2025.
The Ministry also announced expanded health benefits, including:
A sixfold increase in ICU/HDU coverage, from KES 4,600 to KES 28,000.
An increase in oncology care coverage, from KES 400,000 to KES 550,000 per household.
CS Barasa reaffirmed the government’s dedication to transforming Kenya’s healthcare system, ensuring quality and affordable healthcare for all citizens.
“These reforms mark a new era in healthcare, ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind in accessing quality medical services,” the CS concluded.
