Kenyans requiring specialized medical treatment unavailable in the country will soon access healthcare services abroad under a new government initiative.
In an advert released on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the Social Health Authority (SHA) invited applications for overseas healthcare providers to offer specialized medical interventions to Kenyan patients.
This comes as the government seeks to address gaps in the local healthcare system where certain complex medical procedures remain unavailable.
Foreign hospitals and medical facilities have a 14-day window from the date of the advertisement to submit their applications via the authority’s official channels.
The initiative targets beneficiaries under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), Primary Healthcare Fund (PHC), Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF), and the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF).
"The Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel is mandated to provide a comprehensive list of medical conditions not available in the country for overseas treatments," the notice stated.
According to the advert, eligible overseas healthcare providers must meet strict requirements including valid accreditation from their country of origin and recognition by relevant Kenyan authorities.
They must also establish partnerships with empaneled Kenyan healthcare facilities categorized as Level V or VI under the Kenya Essential Package for Health (KEPH).
For SHIF beneficiaries, the authority will only purchase services listed by the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel for the next seven years.
However, POMSF beneficiaries will access additional specialized treatments beyond the standard list, negotiated between SHA and the overseas provider.
The costs will cover evaluation, laboratory investigations, imaging services, treatment, accommodation, and any medical transfers required during the treatment period.
"SHA reserves the right to verify submitted information, negotiate tariffs, and continuously empanel overseas facilities during the contract cycle," Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority stated.
The advert highlights that the contracting notice will remain open and be updated periodically, with successful providers published in the Kenya Gazette and SHA website.
