SHA Model Rewards Quality, CS Duale Tells Private Health Providers
Nairobi, Kenya - - Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to quality and integrity in healthcare, stating that the Social Health Authority (SHA) model is designed to reward providers who deliver dignified, efficient, and safe care.
Speaking during an engagement with the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals and other private healthcare providers, CS Duale highlighted the recent enforcement of the bed capacity access rule to align SHA reimbursements with actual facility capacity, and urged providers to update their bed numbers with KMPDC to avoid service disruptions.
“Integrity and service quality must go hand in hand,” the CS emphasized, warning that facilities public or private that compromise on quality or abuse the system will be shut down. He cautioned against the misuse of OTP pre-authorization codes, stressing that such breaches undermine trust in the system.
CS Duale further noted ongoing Ministry consultations with the Council of Governors and other state departments to harmonize licensing procedures and ease regulatory burdens for providers, including the rationalization of Single Business Permits.
He supported the revival and institutionalization of the Ministerial Stakeholders Forum (MSF) as a bi-annual platform with clear terms of reference and actionable follow-up plans.
On policy, he announced the imminent finalization of the Quality of Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, which sets enforceable standards to ensure that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) delivers safe, timely, affordable, and dignified care across all facilities.
The CS called on private providers to embrace:
1. Honest engagement on both strengths and system gaps
2. Shared responsibility for public-interest reforms
3. Collaboration in innovation—particularly digital health, sustainable financing, and community-level solutions
KAPH welcomed the dialogue and proposed quarterly meetings to deepen collaboration on UHC.
The CS was joined by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni, SHA Chairperson Abdi Mohamed, CEOs Dr Mercy Mwangangi (SHA), Mr Anthony Lenaiyara (DHA),Presidential Advisor on Health Dr Daniel Mwai at a meeting also attended by Chair KAPH Dr Erick Musau, CEOs Rashid Khalani( Aga Khan University Hospital), Toseef Din(M.P.Shah Hospital), George Salib(Coptic Hospital) among other C.E.Os.