The Kenyan Ministry of Health is intensifying efforts to resolve outstanding medical bills inherited from the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) as part of the transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA). A consultative meeting, chaired by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga, was held with SHA leadership and the Pending Bills Verification Committee to review verified financial obligations carried over from the former NHIF system.
The meeting aimed to devise structured, transparent, and accountable mechanisms for settling these debts, ensuring continuity of healthcare services and strengthening public financial management. Unresolved debts from NHIF could undermine service delivery under SHA if not addressed promptly. The government is focused on systematic verification and timely settlement of pending bills to prevent disruption during the transition to the new regulatory framework.
The transition from NHIF to SHA, mandated by the Social Health Insurance Act, requires the transfer of verified liabilities as part of efforts to overhaul Kenya’s health financing system. A parliamentary audit highlighted that the government has been paying verified claims, while significant amounts are still under examination to ensure authenticity before payment. Lawmakers noted that NHIF left behind historical and recent liabilities, including bills deemed fraudulent, and that only verified claims between zero and Sh10 million would be funded quickly.
The verification process has faced legal and administrative challenges, including a High Court ruling that struck down an earlier pending claims verification committee on data privacy grounds. However, government officials have emphasized the importance of ensuring that only legitimate claims are honored to protect public finances while maintaining service continuity.
The consultative meeting emphasized the need for ongoing cooperation between SHA, the Ministry of Health, and other government agencies to ensure transparency and accountability in managing financial obligations. Timely settlement of verified bills would help restore confidence among healthcare providers and stakeholders. The Ministry of Health is working to address the outstanding debts, which have affected many facilities, particularly rural and faith-based hospitals, to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
