The Ministry of Health has commenced the transition from the Social Health Authority (SHA) Provider Portal to the new SHA Health Management Information System (SHA HMIS), marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to strengthen digital healthcare under the Taifa Care programme.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Monday chaired a high-level consultative forum bringing together healthcare provider associations, the Social Health Authority (SHA), the Digital Health Agency (DHA), and other sector stakeholders to discuss the transition strategy.
The meeting focused on reviewing the migration framework, implementation timelines, healthcare provider preparedness and the roadmap for nationwide integration.
Participants also addressed concerns raised by healthcare providers and agreed on measures aimed at ensuring a seamless transition without disrupting service delivery.
According to the Ministry of Health, the SHA HMIS will serve as an integrated digital platform linking healthcare service delivery with health financing. The system will support real-time patient verification, electronic claims processing, digital provider authentication, and secure health information exchange.
Officials say the platform is expected to improve operational efficiency, accelerate claims reimbursement, enhance accountability, and curb fraud and administrative inefficiencies within the health sector.
The ministry highlighted significant progress in Kenya’s digital health agenda, revealing that 11,034 healthcare facilities have so far been accredited by the Social Health Authority. Of these, 6,228 public health facilities, representing 93 per cent have completed their digital transformation.
Additionally, 5,078 healthcare facilities are already using the SHA HMIS, while 2,978 facilities are actively submitting claims electronically through the platform, indicating strong readiness for the system’s nationwide rollout.
Speaking during the forum, Duale assured healthcare providers that the migration would be implemented in phases to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
He emphasized that provider records, beneficiary information, and historical claims data would remain secure throughout the transition.
The Cabinet Secretary further pledged continued government support through technical assistance, user training, provider onboarding, and sustained stakeholder engagements to facilitate successful implementation of the new system.
The transition is expected to strengthen the government’s broader Taifa Care agenda by creating a more integrated, transparent and efficient digital health system while expanding access to quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare services across the country.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Kenya Healthcare Federation Chairperson Dr. Kanyenje Gakombe, Social Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, and Digital Health Agency Chief Executive Officer Eng. Anthony Lenayara.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
