Kenyans registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) will soon begin accessing treatment abroad, marking a major shift in how specialised healthcare services are delivered.

In a statement shared on Saturday, April 11, 2026, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni confirmed that the government has finalised the process of identifying and approving foreign hospitals that will handle Kenyan patients under the program. She explained that the rollout will officially begin in the coming days after preparations are completed.

“Kenyans covered under SHA will begin accessing the overseas treatment benefits package starting Tuesday, April 14, following the completion of the empanelment of foreign healthcare providers,” she wrote.

The announcement is important for many families who have often been forced to fundraise or rely on personal resources to seek treatment abroad. With the new arrangement, patients will now have structured access to selected international facilities under the national health program.

Muthoni went further to outline some of the hospitals in Turkey that have already been approved to receive Kenyan patients including Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University Atakent Hospital, Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital, and Acıbadem Adana Hospital

“In Turkey, the facilities include Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University Atakent Hospital, Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital, and Acıbadem Adana Hospital,” the statement

She also identified India as another major destination, noting that well-known hospitals in the country have been accredited to handle specialised cases referred from Kenya. This is expected to benefit patients seeking treatment in areas such as cancer care and complex procedures.

“In India, KIMS Hospital Enterprises Private Ltd and Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd (Apollo Cancer Centre) have been accredited,” the statement read.

In addition, the PS pointed out Saudi Arabia as part of the approved network, expanding options for Kenyan patients who may require treatment in different parts of the world depending on their medical needs.

“In Saudi Arabia, Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital and King Faisal Specialist Hospital are among the approved providers,” the statement reads.

The PS added that the rollout of the overseas treatment package is likely to ease pressure on local facilities while giving patients more options and better chances of recovery.