The Ministry of Health in Kenya has issued a clarification on the transition from the Social Health Authority (SHA) Provider Portal to the Health Management Information System (HMIS). This move is part of the government's digital health roadmap under the Digital Health Act. According to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, the transition aims to create a unified digital health network where a hospital's HMIS serves as the primary interface for clinical services and claim management.
As of October 2, 2026, all 6,427 public Level 2 to Level 4 health facilities across Kenyan counties have completed their migration to HMIS. This milestone indicates a significant step towards a standardized, paperless health information system. The Ministry has also provided an update on the migration status of other health facilities, including larger public referral centers, faith-based organization (FBO) facilities, and private healthcare providers.
A one-month extension has been granted to larger public referral centers, FBO facilities, and private healthcare providers to finalize their integration with HMIS by October 30, 2026. This includes Level 5 public facilities, with four already fully transitioned and 23 others in various implementation stages. Level 6 National Referral Hospitals, such as Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), are expected to complete their migration by the end of October.
Faith-based facilities and private healthcare providers are also making progress in their transition to HMIS. Out of 518 contracted faith-based facilities, 38 have achieved full transition, while the rest are working towards the deadline. Private hospitals operating existing HMIS platforms have initiated data integration and compliance testing, with 28 independent HMIS platforms receiving formal certification from the Digital Health Agency (DHA).
To ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions, the DHA is executing Rapid Results Initiatives (RRI) throughout October. These initiatives offer technical assistance, system certification, and operational support to remaining facilities. The Ministry of Health has emphasized that the technology transition will operate in the background, ensuring uninterrupted patient care.
According to CS Aden Duale, patients will continue to access services at facilities that have not yet fully transitioned. The ongoing transition will not disrupt access to healthcare services, as healthcare facilities are required to maintain seamless service delivery for all patients while their administrative and information systems complete integration with the certified HMIS ecosystem.
The transition from SHA provider portal to HMIS aims to eliminate redundancy and promote seamless integration. The Ministry of Health is confident that the unified digital health network will enhance healthcare services, making it easier for patients and providers to access and deliver health services. With the DHA's support, the government is working to ensure a successful transition and a more efficient healthcare system.
Key points
- All 6,427 public Level 2 to Level 4 health facilities in Kenya have completed their migration to HMIS.
- A one-month extension has been granted to larger public referral centers, FBO facilities, and private healthcare providers to finalize their integration with HMIS by October 30, 2026.
- The Ministry of Health has assured citizens that the transition to HMIS will not disrupt access to healthcare services.
