The Social Health Authority (SHA) in Kenya has extended the deadline for healthcare providers to complete the contracting process for the 2026-2029 cycle by 14 days. This decision provides relief to healthcare providers who had until September 30, 2026, to apply for new contracts. The new deadline is October 14, 2026. SHA assured healthcare providers and beneficiaries that during the extension period, facilities will continue operating under their existing contracts.
Healthcare providers who have not yet completed the process now have more time to finalise their contracts. SHA further assured that during the extension period, facilities will continue operating under their existing contracts. At the end of the 14 days, the existing contracts will lapse and no further extension will be granted. Providers shall be issued with an extension to the HCP contract ending 30th Sep 2026 to cover the 14-day extension period accessed through the e-contracting platform.
Providers are required to confirm acceptance, sign, and return the agreement within three days to ensure continuity of services to SHA beneficiaries. Those who may not accept the extension are required to make arrangements with their respective SHA county managers on transfer of patients receiving ongoing care to contracted providers to ensure continuity of treatment.
To support providers in completing the contracting process for the 2026-2029 contracting cycle, SHA will conduct dedicated HAKIKA contracting clinics in every county beginning Monday, 5th October 2026, through the respective SHA County Offices. HAKIKA Clinics Schedule and Provider requirements will be posted on the SHA website and Facilities with all the required documents are encouraged to continue and complete the contracting process without waiting for the deadline.
The new framework, known as HAKIKA, was launched alongside an electronic contracting platform on September 18. The framework seeks to strengthen collaboration between SHA and healthcare providers through greater transparency, predictable payments and clearly defined contractual obligations. It follows the completion of the inaugural 2024–2026 contracting cycle.
HAKIKA responds to concerns raised by providers on tariffs, claims processing, payment delays, pre-authorisation, system reliability and empanelment. It also provides clearer terms on benefits, reimbursement, quality standards and dispute resolution. The E-Contracting Platform will enable healthcare providers to submit applications, upload documents, verify licences, execute contracts and track their progress digitally.
SHA's decision to extend the deadline aims to ensure a smooth transition to the new contracting cycle and minimize disruptions to healthcare services. The authority encourages healthcare providers to take advantage of the extended deadline and the HAKIKA contracting clinics to complete the contracting process. This will enable them to continue serving SHA beneficiaries without interruption.
Key points
- The Social Health Authority has extended the deadline for healthcare providers to renew contracts until October 14, 2026.
- The new HAKIKA framework and electronic contracting platform aim to improve collaboration between SHA and healthcare providers.
- SHA will conduct dedicated HAKIKA contracting clinics in every county to support providers in completing the contracting process.
