Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced a one-month extension for public Level 5 and 6 facilities, faith-based organisation (FBO) facilities, and private health facilities to complete their transition from the Social Health Authority (SHA) Provider Portal to the Health Management Information System (HMIS). The extension, effective immediately, allows these institutions additional time to adapt to the digital system, with the Digital Health Agency (DHA) set to conduct Rapid Results Initiatives (RRI) to support the process. Duale emphasized that the transition has progressed well, with 6,427 public Level 2 and 4 facilities already fully transitioned, while 23 facilities remain at various stages of implementation.
The extension aligns with the government’s target to complete the HMIS transition for all public Level 5 facilities by 30 October 2026. Duale noted that Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) are expected to finalize their transition by the end of the following week. Meanwhile, 518 contracted FBO facilities are receiving government support for HMIS installation, with 38 already fully transitioned and the remainder projected to complete the process by the same deadline. The Ministry reiterated that the transition will not disrupt healthcare access, stating no patient will be denied services due to incomplete system adoption.
Duale urged facilities yet to complete the transition to accelerate the process and seek technical assistance from the DHA. He highlighted that the shift to HMIS is critical for achieving a paperless health information system, enhancing data accuracy, and improving service delivery. The extension reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring all health facilities, regardless of ownership, meet digital readiness standards without compromising patient care. The DHA’s RRI initiative will focus on troubleshooting and capacity-building to address challenges faced by lagging facilities.
The transition marks a pivotal step in Kenya’s digital health strategy, aimed at streamlining data management and reducing administrative burdens. With over 6,400 facilities now operational on HMIS, the government’s phased approach underscores its dedication to equitable healthcare access. Duale’s statement reaffirms the Ministry’s assurance that the digital shift will enhance transparency and efficiency in health service delivery, benefiting both providers and patients alike.