The Kenyan Ministry of Health has announced a one-month extension for health facilities to transition from the Provider Portal to the Social Health Authority's Health Management Information System (HMIS). This decision aims to provide facilities with more time to comply with the directive as the government moves towards a fully digital and paperless health information system. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale signed the statement, highlighting the significant progress made in the transition across public, faith-based, and private health facilities.
According to the Ministry, all 6,427 public Level 2 to 4 health facilities have successfully transitioned to HMIS. However, among public Level 5 facilities, only four have completed the transition, while 23 are at different stages of the process. The Ministry expects all public Level 5 facilities to complete the transition by October 30, 2026. The government is also supporting 518 contracted faith-based health facilities with the installation and transition to HMIS, with 38 having completed the transition so far.
The Ministry is working closely with private health facilities, which have existing HMIS platforms, to certify their systems in line with the Digital Health Act. So far, 28 existing HMIS platforms have been certified by the Digital Health Agency. This certification aims to promote standardization and interoperability of health information systems while strengthening the quality and security of health data.
To accelerate the transition, the Digital Health Agency will conduct Rapid Results Initiatives throughout October to provide technical support to private health facilities. The Ministry has assured patients that the migration will not affect access to healthcare services. Patients will continue receiving services at all health facilities during the transition period.
The Ministry will meet health sector associations on October 2 to agree on a facility-by-facility transition plan, including outstanding requirements and timelines for completion. This meeting aims to ensure a smooth transition and address any concerns or challenges that may arise.
The government's move towards a fully digital health information system is part of its efforts to improve healthcare services in Kenya. The transition to HMIS is expected to enhance the quality and security of health data, promote standardization, and interoperability of health information systems.
The Ministry has expressed appreciation for the cooperation of all health sector stakeholders as the country advances towards a fully digital, standardized, interoperable, and paperless health information system. The extension of the deadline is seen as a positive step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- The Kenyan Ministry of Health has granted health facilities an extra month to transition to the Social Health Authority's digital system.
- All 6,427 public Level 2 to 4 health facilities have successfully transitioned to HMIS.
- The Ministry expects all public Level 5 facilities to complete the transition by October 30, 2026.
