The Social Health Authority (SHA) has invited both local and international healthcare providers to apply for accreditation to offer services under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme for the 2025/2026 financial year.
In a public advertisement issued by SHA, the Authority announced the contracting of Overseas Healthcare Providers (HCPs) for Provision of Healthcare Services Outside Kenya to Social Health Authority Beneficiaries.
The programme targets patients enrolled under SHA and former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) members, particularly those requiring complex and highly specialised treatment not currently available in Kenya.
According to the notice, “the overall intended scope, through the Social Health Authority, is to invite Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from qualified and licensed overseas healthcare providers (HCPs) for the provision of specialized healthcare services to beneficiaries of the Social Health Authority, in accordance with the Social Health Insurance (SHI) Act, No. 16 of 2023.”
Which services will SHA overseas facilities offer?
The Authority explained that the overseas facilities will handle cases involving advanced medical needs such as cancer, chronic and critical illnesses and complex medical procedures.
SHA stated that “the scope of services will be highly specialised with interventions,” adding that selected providers will only deliver services approved by the Authority based on Kenya’s medical requirements.
To ensure quality and accountability, SHA further noted that “the full list of interventions not available in Kenya as per the BHTP is provided in the tender document and on the SHA website.”
Healthcare institutions seeking approval must meet strict conditions, including valid registration in their countries of operation, internationally recognised accreditation, proven treatment outcomes, and strong financial capacity.
Applicants must submit detailed documentation including organisational profiles, accreditation certificates, audited financial statements and evidence of experience in delivering specialised healthcare services.
Dateline for SHA overseas tender applications
Applications must be submitted in sealed envelopes clearly marked with the tender number and deposited at SHA offices. The deadline for submission is Monday, February 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., after which late submissions will not be accepted.
The initiative forms part of Kenya’s broader Universal Health Coverage strategy aimed at ensuring that patients with complex medical conditions are not denied treatment due to limitations in local capacity.
SHA said the names of successful applicants will be published on the Authority’s website and other public platforms following the completion of the evaluation process.
