Kenya Ministry of Health unveils E-contracting Platform in Nairobi
HAKIKA responds to concerns raised by public, private and faith-based healthcare providers over tariffs, claims processing, payment delays, pre-authorization, system reliability and empanelment.
KENYA—Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale has launched the Social Health Authority’s (SHA) 2026–2029 contracting cycle, known as HAKIKA, alongside a new E Contracting Platform at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
The new cycle follows the completion of SHA’s inaugural 2024–2026 contracting cycle and aims to improve collaboration between the health insurer and healthcare providers through clearer contractual obligations, greater transparency, and more predictable payments.
HAKIKA addresses provider concerns
HAKIKA responds to concerns raised by public, private and faith-based healthcare providers over tariffs, claims processing, payment delays, pre-authorization, system reliability, and empanelment.
The new contracts provide clearer provisions on benefits, reimbursement, quality standards, claims management, dispute resolution and tariff arrangements.
They also set timelines for processing clean claims and require SHA to explain rejected or reduced claims.
The framework includes safeguards for periods of system downtime and clearer procedures for emergency authorisation and provider empanelment.
It also requires SHA to accurately reflect negotiated tariffs and benefit schedules in its digital systems.
Duale said Universal Health Coverage requires shared responsibility between SHA and healthcare providers.
He called on SHA to communicate clearly with providers, process claims efficiently, provide technical support, and meet its contractual obligations.
At the same time, he urged providers to deliver quality care, comply with agreed standards, submit accurate claims, and uphold the integrity of the Social Health Insurance system.
New platform to digitise contracting
The E Contracting Platform will move key stages of the provider contracting process online. Healthcare providers will be able to submit Expressions of Interest, upload compliance documents, complete licence verification, execute contracts and track their applications digitally.
The digital system is intended to make contracting faster and more transparent while giving providers greater visibility of their applications.
The Health CS urged healthcare providers to complete the transition to the new contracting cycle before 1 October 2026.
This includes updating regulatory documents, executing contracts, activating portal access and preparing staff for the new claims workflows.
Duale was joined at the launch by Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council CEO Dr David Kariuki, Digital Health Agency CEO Eng Anthony Lenayara, CEOs of national referral hospitals, and representatives of private and faith-based healthcare organizations.
The event was convened by SHA, led by CEO Dr Mercy Mwangangi, and marked the start of the authority’s 2026–2029 contracting cycle with healthcare providers.
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