- Over 40 hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes have been suspended across Kenya after failing to comply with the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023
- Suspended facilities will not receive any benefits from the Social Health Authority during the suspension period, cutting them off from government-backed funding under the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)
- The crackdown comes as SHIF replaces NHIF to drive universal health coverage, with the government emphasising stricter regulations, accountability, and improved quality standards in Kenya’s healthcare system
Kenya – The Social Health Authority (SHA) has suspended more than 40 health facilities across the country for failing to comply with the provisions of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 (No. 16 of 2023).
In a gazette notice dated August 26, 2025, the Authority listed the affected hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, which will not be entitled to receive any benefits from the Social Health Authority during the suspension period.
The suspended facilities are spread across multiple counties, including Mandera, Kisii, Homa Bay, Nairobi, Kakamega, Migori, Bungoma, Turkana, Garissa, and Wajir. Among them are well-known institutions such as Guardian Hospital – Meru, Novic Medical Centre (Nairobi), Westlife Hospital Ltd (Kisii), Equity Afia branches in Mandera and Homa Bay, and Northgate Hospital Ltd in Garissa.
Others named in the suspension include Chala Health Services Ltd (Homa Bay), Aasif Medical and Health Service Ltd (Mandera), Gopima Medical Centre Ltd (Kisii), Lifenest Community Medical Centre (Homa Bay), and Lemnek Hospital Ltd (Kisii).
The Authority, exercising powers under section 48(6) of the Act, emphasised that the decision was aimed at ensuring strict adherence to regulations governing health facilities under the new social health insurance framework.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority, Mercy Mwangangi, signed the notice, affirming that the move seeks to safeguard quality standards and accountability in the country’s healthcare system.
The suspension comes at a time when the government is pushing for full implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which seeks to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and provide universal health coverage for all Kenyans.
Also read: Africa Medical Supplier Completes Successful $3.5m Bond Offering in Rwanda
Are you a health expert? Share your insights with us! Submit an opinion piece today via editorial@africahealthnewsagency.com and let your voice shape the future of healthcare conversations in Africa.
