Hospitals Risk Losing SHA Deals As Digital Management Systems Become Mandatory

Healthcare facilities across Kenya could lose their contracts with the Social Health Authority (SHA) if they fail to adopt accredited digital record systems for the 2026/28 contracting cycle.

In a public notice issued on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi made it clear that all current and prospective healthcare providers must use a certified Health Management Information System (HMIS). The system must fully integrate with technical requirements set by both the SHA and the Digital Health Agency (DHA).

“Healthcare providers that do not meet the prescribed HMIS requirements will not be eligible for contracting, contract renewal or continued participation in SHA-funded schemes during the FY 2026/28 contracting cycle,” Mwangangi warned.

Real-Time Connection to Stop Fraud

Under the new directive, hospitals and clinics must stay electronically linked to the SHA Centralised Digital Platform. This continuous connection is designed to handle:

• Real-time service verification

• Faster claims processing

• Seamless data exchange between facilities and the state

The move marks a major shift from manual paperwork to a fully digital national health insurance setup, which the government hopes will improve accountability and stop fraud.

Backed by the Data Protection Act

This digital upgrade isn’t just an internal policy; it is legally backed by the Digital Health Act of 2023. The law requires all hospitals to run systems that can securely collect, process, store, and retrieve patient medical records.

An HMIS essentially replaces old-school paperwork by digitally tracking patient data, billing, treatment history, and appointments. The SHA emphasized that these hospital systems must strictly comply with national digital health standards and adhere to the Data Protection Act to keep patient records private.