Private hospitals give Duale ultimatum to clear NHIF arrears below Ksh10M
The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) has given Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale a strict 14-day deadline to settle pending National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) bills, warning that prolonged delays are crippling healthcare delivery.
In a statement dated Friday, August 15, 2025, RUPHA expressed frustration over the government’s failure to act on President William Ruto’s March 5, 2025, directive to clear outstanding NHIF debts.
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The directive required that all facilities owed Ksh10 million or less be paid in full, while larger claims undergo verification before settlement.
Demand for Written Commitment
“We ask that you issue a formal written commitment to all providers confirming that verified NHIF claims of Ksh10 million and below will be settled on or before 9th September 2025, as earlier promised,” the letter stated.
RUPHA said that despite earlier assurances, not a single public, private, or faith-based facility had received payment for the arrears.
The association cautioned that hospitals are currently facing severe financial strain, which is making it challenging to maintain operations and retain staff.
CS Duale had previously indicated that Ksh5.3 billion had been allocated by the National Treasury for the clearance of smaller claims.
However, RUPHA insists that this pledge must be backed by concrete timelines and official documentation.
Push for Transparency
The association is also calling on the Social Health Authority (SHA) to publish pending claim amounts for each facility within two weeks. This, they argue, would allow hospitals to verify figures and resolve any discrepancies promptly.
“For facilities that had already completed the NHIF claim verification and sign-off process in 2023/2024, we request that uncontested liabilities be settled immediately,”
RUPHA added. They further proposed that SHA reactivate its internal branch-led claims verification for other facilities within the next three months.
RUPHA said it remains committed to working with the Ministry of Health to resolve the standoff, noting that clearing the arrears will “unlock urgently needed working capital across the health sector” and support the rollout of Universal Health Coverage
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William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
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