Changes to the Kenyan Healthcare System Leaves Thousands At Risk
January 2026
Kenya’s new Social Health Authority (SHA) was meant to expand access to free healthcare. For the communities Nasio serves, it is doing the opposite.
The transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA has introduced income-based premiums, digital registration, and phone-dependent systems that many families simply cannot access—particularly women, children, and the poorest households.
“charitable facilities like GMK Medical Centre have been downgraded, making us ineligible to claim government payments for inpatient and maternity care”
At the same time, charitable facilities like GMK Medical Centre have been downgraded, making us ineligible to claim government payments for inpatient and maternity care—despite providing essential, high-quality services where overstretched public hospitals cannot.
While our expanded medical centre, due to open in 2028, will qualify for SHA payments, the intervening years present a serious and immediate crisis.
Without funding, we face the impossible choice of turning away mothers in labour and critically ill patients. We estimate that up to 10,000 people each year could now be denied urgent care.
As part of our 25th Anniversary, we are raising £25,000 to keep inpatient and maternity services free at GMK:
- £1,800 funds 30 safe deliveries each month
- £5,460 for serious injuries each month treating 182 patients
This is a moment to stand with communities being left behind by policy decisions far beyond their control.
Please join our Silver Jubilee events and challenges and help protect access to life-saving care.
This story is listed in: Health, Press
