Kenya's Social Health Authority orders hospitals to provide emergency care without payment barriers

On August 1, the Social Health Authority (SHA) of Kenya issued a directive reminding all contracted health facilities that emergency medical treatment must be provided without discrimination or financial barriers, as guaranteed by Article 43(2) of the Kenyan Constitution. SHA chief executive Mercy Mwangangi emphasized that providers are contractually obligated to deliver lifesaving care immediately, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

The authority clarified that eligible emergency treatment during the first 24 hours will be financed through the Emergency, Critical and Chronic Illness Fund (ECCIF), after which services will be covered by the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) or other applicable arrangements. Hospitals that cannot continue managing a patient must first stabilise the individual before referral in line with Ministry of Health guidelines. SHA warned that any facility found refusing, delaying, or withholding emergency care for financial reasons will face de‑empanelment, contract termination, and possible regulatory action.