The Social Health Authority (SHA) in Kenya has extended the deadline for healthcare providers to complete contracting for the 2026-2029 cycle to October 14, 2026. This decision aims to prevent disruption of services for beneficiaries. SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi stated that the additional time will allow facilities to complete the required steps while protecting continued access to healthcare services.
Healthcare facilities will continue operating under their existing contracts during the extension period. However, the contracts will lapse at the end of the 14 days, with no further extension granted. Providers accepting the extension have been required to sign and return the agreement within three days. This ensures that facilities can continue serving people covered under the authority.
The authority has directed facilities that choose not to take up the extension to work with their respective SHA county managers to arrange the transfer of patients already receiving treatment to other contracted facilities. This move is meant to protect patients from interruptions in ongoing care as the contracting process moves into the extended period.
SHA had initially given healthcare providers until September 30 to complete contracting for the 2026-2029 cycle. The new deadline gives facilities an extra two weeks to meet the requirements. As of now, 10,006 healthcare providers have expressed interest in joining the new contracting cycle and are at different stages of the process.
To help providers complete the process, SHA will hold dedicated HAKIKA contracting clinics in all counties beginning October 5. The clinics will be hosted at SHA county offices, with details on the schedules and requirements for providers made available on its website. Facilities with all the required documents are encouraged to continue and complete the contracting process without waiting for the deadline.
The authority has made it clear that the extension will be the final window for providers to complete the process. At the close of the extended deadline on October 14, existing contracts will lapse, and no further extension will be granted. Providers and beneficiaries seeking assistance can contact SHA through its toll-free number 147.
SHA aims to ensure continuity of health services for its beneficiaries. With the extended deadline, healthcare providers have more time to finalize their contracts. The authority is working to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions to healthcare services.
Key points
- The Social Health Authority has extended the contracting deadline for healthcare providers to October 14, 2026.
- Healthcare facilities will continue operating under existing contracts during the extension period.
- The authority will hold dedicated contracting clinics in all counties to assist providers in completing the process.
