The Social Health Authority (SHA) has invited qualified overseas healthcare providers to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the provision of specialised medical services to Kenyan patients seeking treatment outside the country.

In a contracting notice published by the Authority and signed by Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi on Friday, January 2, 2026, SHA said the move is aimed at ensuring beneficiaries of the Social Health Insurance (SHI) scheme can access highly specialised healthcare services that are not currently available within Kenya.

The initiative falls under the Social Health Insurance Act, No. 16 of 2023, and is aligned with SHA’s mandate to contract and manage healthcare services under the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHC), Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF), and the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF).

Taking SHA overseas

”The Government of Kenya, through the Social Health Authority (SHA), invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from qualified and licensed overseas Healthcare Providers (HCPs) for the provision of specialized healthcare services not available in Kenya to beneficiaries of the Social Health Authority, in accordance with the Social Health Insurance (SHI) Act, No. 16 of 2023,” the notice said in part.

According to SHA, the overseas treatment services will be guided by the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel (BPTAP), which outlines interventions unavailable in the country and eligible for overseas referral. These services will be procured on behalf of SHA beneficiaries from qualified and vetted international healthcare providers.

Under the scope of services, SHA will purchase highly specialised medical interventions listed in the approved benefits package, which is updated periodically and published on the Authority’s website. For beneficiaries under the POMSF scheme, the scope will include additional specialised treatments accessed upon referral and negotiated at an agreed cost.

”For beneficiaries under the POMSF, the services covered shall be inclusive of the list of interventions not readily available in Kenya, and those negotiated and agreed between the Authority and the respective overseas healthcare provider or health facility with capacity to offer the required intervention,” the notice added.

Covered expenses will include medical evaluations, laboratory and imaging investigations, treatment procedures, accommodation during treatment and post-discharge review, patient transfers where necessary, and other incidental medical necessities.

Qualification criteria

To qualify, interested overseas healthcare providers must meet strict eligibility and mandatory requirements. These include proof of legal registration or incorporation, authorisation to operate from relevant authorities, demonstrated capacity to provide the specialised treatments listed by SHA, corporate profile documentation, accreditation by a recognised body in the country of origin, and recognition by the relevant authority in Kenya.

Providers must also show linkage with an empanelled healthcare facility in Kenya for follow-up care and submit valid licenses for specialist doctors who will deliver the services.

SHA has also emphasised that all mandatory documents must be submitted on the provider’s official letterhead, duly certified by a Notary Public, and signed by an authorised official. Non-responsive submissions will be disqualified, although applicants may reapply once all requirements are met.

Applications can be accessed free of charge from the SHA website, the Public Procurement Information Portal, and other relevant government platforms. Completed applications must be submitted via email within 14 days from the date of commencement. Incomplete applications will automatically lapse.

Successful applicants will be notified in writing, after which contracts must be executed within seven days. SHA noted that overseas contracting will remain open on a rolling basis and will be updated periodically, subject to necessary approvals. The Authority also reserves the right to levy administrative fees where applicable.

The list of contracted overseas healthcare providers will be published in the Kenya Gazette, on the SHA website, and on other lawful platforms.