Health Updates

🚨 SHA EXTENDS DIGITAL HEALTH SYSTEM TRANSITION DEADLINE TO NOVEMBER 30

The Social Health Authority (SHA) and Digital Health Agency (DHA) have extended the deadline for healthcare facilities to migrate from the SHA Provider Portal to approved Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) by one month, following requests from healthcare providers.

In a joint notice dated October 30, 2026, the agencies reported significant progress in Kenya's healthcare digitisation programme:
✅ Public Level 2–4 facilities: 6,427 of 6,427 migrated (100%).
✅ Public Level 5 hospitals: 22 of 28 migrated (79%).
✅ Faith-based facilities: 190 of 518 migrated (37%).
✅ Private facilities: 371 successfully migrated.

The agencies warned that access to the existing SHA Provider Portal will be deactivated effective November 30, potentially disrupting patient verification, treatment pre-authorisation and claims processing for facilities that fail to complete the transition.

However, claims already submitted through the portal will continue to be processed.
The DHA has assured healthcare providers of continued technical support throughout the transition, urging facilities to treat the extended deadline as final.
📞 Technical support: 147

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🏥 EMBU LEVEL 5 HOSPITAL EXPANDS ISOLATION CAPACITY WITH NEW SPECIALISED WARDS

Construction of new isolation wards at Embu Level 5 Hospital is progressing, with the facility reporting that the project is nearing completion.

According to an update from the hospital, the new isolation unit will feature separate wings for men, women and children, strengthening its capacity to safely manage patients with communicable diseases.

The expansion is expected to improve infection prevention and control by providing dedicated spaces for patients requiring isolation, while enhancing the hospital's preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks.

The project forms part of the hospital's ongoing infrastructure improvements under the Kaizen continuous improvement programme.

🟢 MBARIRE REBUKES POLITICIANS OVER FALSE CLAIMS ON EMBU LEVEL 5 CANCER SERVICES

Governor Hon. Cecily Mbarire, EGH has challenged politicians to verify facts before making public statements about healthcare services, following claims by a political aspirant that Embu Level 5 Hospital has no oncology department.

Speaking during a burial ceremony in Manyatta, Embu County, the Governor dismissed the assertion, accusing some politicians of misleading residents about healthcare services they have never personally taken time to assess.

Citing the hospital's oncology statistics, Mbarire said the facility operates a 10-bed cancer treatment department, capable of handling up to 40 outpatient consultations and 10 chemotherapy patients daily. The department has attended to 1,506 patients as of today.

The hospital also reports having specialist doctors, medical equipment and essential medicines that support cancer treatment.

Governor Mbarire urged political leaders to stop using healthcare as a political campaign tool, challenging those seeking elective office to familiarise themselves with services available in public hospitals rather than spreading unverified claims. Moreover, the Governor reiterated that public scrutiny must be grounded in facts rather than political rhetoric.

🩺 NEW EBOLA VACCINE TRIAL IN DRC RAISES HOPE AS KENYA SEEKS 10,000 DOSES

A clinical trial of the experimental Tumaini Ebola vaccine in the Democratic Republic of Congo has raised hopes of developing protection against the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.

The development comes as Kenya seeks 10,000 vaccine doses to protect healthcare workers and other frontline responders amid its Ebola response.

The trial represents a potentially important step in tackling the virus, although the vaccine's safety and effectiveness must still be established through clinical research.

🏥 SPECIALIST HEALTHCARE COMES TO KARAU ON OCTOBER 29

Residents of Karau and surrounding areas will access specialist medical services closer to home as Embu County's Madaktari Mashinani programme heads to Karau Health Centre on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

The outreach will cover child health, diabetes, hypertension, reproductive health, eye care, cervical cancer screening, surgical reviews, ENT, rehabilitation and mental health services.

Residents requiring specialist attention are encouraged to visit Karau Health Centre in advance for review and booking.

SHA officers will also be available to assist with registration and enquiries on healthcare coverage.

📞 Enquiries: 0711 303 071

🟢 EMBU LEVEL 5 HOSPITAL EYES SOLAR POWER UPGRADE IN ZERO-UPFRONT-COST FINANCING PLAN

Embu County is exploring a major solar energy project at Embu Level 5 Hospital aimed at cutting electricity bills, improving power reliability and redirecting savings towards patient care.

Health CECM Jamal Runyenje Ogw, held talks with ORB Energy Corporation at Afya House over a proposed solar installation under the county's approved Energy Plan.

The proposal features an innovative financing model involving KCB, where the county would pay nothing upfront, with installation costs repaid over time from electricity savings.

If implemented, the project could reduce operating costs while strengthening power reliability in critical departments, including theatres, intensive care and maternity.

However, the CECM says no final agreement has been reached and that the proposal must undergo institutional and statutory approvals, including reviews by the Hospital Board, County Cabinet, Treasury and County Assembly.

The initiative could mark a significant step towards greener, more cost-efficient healthcare in Embu.

🚨 RUTO BREAKS GROUND FOR KSH 1 BILLION, 300-BED KITALE LEVEL 5 HOSPITAL

President William Samoei Ruto has presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for a new KSh 1 billion, 300-bed Kitale Level 5 Hospital, marking a major planned investment in healthcare infrastructure in Trans Nzoia County.

The President was accompanied by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during the launch of the project, which will be constructed under the supervision of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

The hospital is expected to be completed within eight months, with the additional bed capacity intended to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to hospital services for residents of Trans Nzoia and surrounding areas.

During the visit, President Ruto also commissioned a KSh 59 million tuition block at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and announced an additional KSh 200 million allocation for student hostels, aimed at improving medical training infrastructure and student accommodation.

The developments bring together investments in healthcare facilities and medical education, two critical components of strengthening the country's health system.