In a public notice issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the authority invited qualified overseas healthcare providers to apply for contracts to treat Kenyan patients referred outside the country.
The move is part of broader efforts by the government to bridge critical gaps in the local healthcare system, especially for complex and rare medical conditions.
According to the notice, foreign hospitals and medical institutions interested in the programme have a 14-day window to submit their applications through SHA’s official channels.
According to the notice, foreign hospitals and medical institutions interested in the programme have a 14-day window to submit their applications through SHA’s official channels.
The contracted providers will offer specialised medical interventions to Kenyans enrolled under various national health schemes.
The initiative targets beneficiaries of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHC), the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF), and the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF).
The initiative targets beneficiaries of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHC), the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF), and the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF).
These schemes fall under the restructured universal health coverage framework that replaced the former NHIF model.
SHA explained that a dedicated Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel has been tasked with identifying and listing medical procedures and conditions that cannot currently be treated within Kenya.
SHA explained that a dedicated Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel has been tasked with identifying and listing medical procedures and conditions that cannot currently be treated within Kenya.
Only conditions approved by this panel will qualify for overseas treatment under the scheme.
To qualify, overseas healthcare providers must meet strict eligibility requirements. These include holding valid accreditation and licenses from their countries of origin, as well as recognition by relevant Kenyan regulatory authorities.
To qualify, overseas healthcare providers must meet strict eligibility requirements. These include holding valid accreditation and licenses from their countries of origin, as well as recognition by relevant Kenyan regulatory authorities.
In addition, foreign hospitals must form partnerships with Kenyan healthcare facilities classified as Level V or Level VI under the Kenya Essential Package for Health (KEPH).
These partnerships are intended to ensure proper patient referral, follow-up care, and coordination between local and international medical teams.
For beneficiaries under SHIF, SHA will only purchase medical services that appear on the approved list of overseas treatments, and the arrangement will apply for a period of up to seven years.
These partnerships are intended to ensure proper patient referral, follow-up care, and coordination between local and international medical teams.
For beneficiaries under SHIF, SHA will only purchase medical services that appear on the approved list of overseas treatments, and the arrangement will apply for a period of up to seven years.
However, public officers covered under the POMSF will enjoy broader access, with additional specialised treatments allowed through negotiated agreements between SHA and the contracted overseas providers.
The authority clarified that the cost of overseas treatment under the programme will be comprehensive.
The authority clarified that the cost of overseas treatment under the programme will be comprehensive.
It will include medical evaluations, laboratory tests, imaging services, treatment procedures, accommodation during the treatment period, and any necessary medical transfers or evacuations.
SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi said the authority would retain full oversight of the process to ensure accountability and value for money.
“SHA reserves the right to verify all submitted information, negotiate tariffs, and continuously empanel overseas healthcare facilities throughout the contract cycle,” Dr. Mwangangi stated.
She added that the contracting process will remain open and dynamic, allowing new providers to be added as healthcare needs evolve.
SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi said the authority would retain full oversight of the process to ensure accountability and value for money.
“SHA reserves the right to verify all submitted information, negotiate tariffs, and continuously empanel overseas healthcare facilities throughout the contract cycle,” Dr. Mwangangi stated.
She added that the contracting process will remain open and dynamic, allowing new providers to be added as healthcare needs evolve.
Successful overseas healthcare providers will be formally published in the Kenya Gazette and on the SHA website to ensure transparency.
The move has been welcomed by health sector observers who say it could ease the financial and logistical burden faced by families forced to seek treatment abroad through private means.
The move has been welcomed by health sector observers who say it could ease the financial and logistical burden faced by families forced to seek treatment abroad through private means.
However, experts have also stressed the importance of simultaneously investing in local capacity to reduce long-term dependence on foreign healthcare systems.