Private Hospitals Demand Government to Settle Ksh13 Billion NHIF Debt
The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) said the delay in payment is threatening healthcare services across the country.
In a statement released on October 31, 2025, RUPHA accused the Ministry of Health and other government agencies of failing to clear their debts to the former NHIF.
In a statement released on October 31, 2025, RUPHA accused the Ministry of Health and other government agencies of failing to clear their debts to the former NHIF.
The group revealed that as of September 2024, government departments and parastatals collectively owed the fund Ksh13.8 billion in unpaid premiums.
According to RUPHA Chairperson Brian Lishenga, the Ministry of Health tops the list of debtors, with an outstanding balance of Ksh7.8 billion.
According to RUPHA Chairperson Brian Lishenga, the Ministry of Health tops the list of debtors, with an outstanding balance of Ksh7.8 billion.
The association noted that this amount includes Ksh1 billion under the Health Insurance Subsidy Program for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Ksh289 million for older persons and people living with severe disabilities, Ksh2.1 billion under the Linda Mama program, and another Ksh4 billion linked to the Universal Health Coverage scheme.
Other ministries are also implicated. The Ministry of Public Service reportedly owes Ksh3 billion for civil servants’ medical cover, while the Interior Ministry owes about Ksh1.6 billion for the National Police and Kenya Police Service medical schemes. County governments and several parastatals together owe nearly Ksh865 million more.
RUPHA warned that the unpaid bills are putting private hospitals under financial strain, making it difficult for them to continue offering services to insured patients.
Other ministries are also implicated. The Ministry of Public Service reportedly owes Ksh3 billion for civil servants’ medical cover, while the Interior Ministry owes about Ksh1.6 billion for the National Police and Kenya Police Service medical schemes. County governments and several parastatals together owe nearly Ksh865 million more.
RUPHA warned that the unpaid bills are putting private hospitals under financial strain, making it difficult for them to continue offering services to insured patients.
The group urged Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and other government officials to address the issue immediately to prevent service interruptions.
“The Ministry of Health alone owes Ksh7.8 billion — enough to sustain more than 90 percent of hospitals in the country,” RUPHA stated, adding that many facilities are struggling to pay staff and suppliers while waiting for the funds.
“The Ministry of Health alone owes Ksh7.8 billion — enough to sustain more than 90 percent of hospitals in the country,” RUPHA stated, adding that many facilities are struggling to pay staff and suppliers while waiting for the funds.
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