NAIROBI – In a strategic move to bridge critical gaps in Kenya’s medical services, the Social Health Authority (SHA) has officially invited overseas healthcare providers to deliver highly specialized treatments that are currently unavailable within the country. The initiative aims to ensure beneficiaries of the national health funds have access to essential, life-saving interventions abroad.
Targeting Gaps in National Health Coverage
The invitation, issued under the Social Health Insurance (SHI) Act, specifically targets providers for services covered under Kenya’s three main health funds: the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHC), the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF).
For beneficiaries under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF), the scope is broader. SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi explained that covered services will include “the interventions not readily available in Kenya and those negotiated and agreed upon between the Authority and the respective overseas healthcare provider.”
“For beneficiaries under the POMSF, the services covered shall include the interventions not readily available in Kenya and those negotiated and agreed upon between the Authority and the respective overseas healthcare provider or health facility,” stated SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi.
Rigorous Provider Requirements and Process
The SHA has set stringent mandatory requirements for interested overseas providers. These include valid accreditation in their home country, recognition by relevant Kenyan authorities, and a formal partnership with a Level V or VI Kenyan hospital to ensure continuity of follow-up care upon a patient’s return.
All application documents must be submitted on official letterhead, certified by a Notary Public. Eligible providers can access tender documents for free via the SHA website and the Public Procurement Information Portal. Completed applications must be submitted electronically to tenders@sha.go.ke within 14 days of the application period’s commencement.
Transparent Contracting and Future Updates
Successful applicants will be notified via email and must execute contracts within seven days. The SHA reserves the right to verify all submitted information and negotiate service tariffs. The final list of empaneled overseas healthcare providers will be published in the Kenya Gazette and on the SHA website.
Dr. Mwangangi emphasized that this contracting notice will remain “continuously open and updated periodically as necessary,” indicating an ongoing process to expand Kenya’s network of specialised international healthcare partners.
