SHA Lists 36 Medical Procedures, Approved International Treatment Cover
Only medical procedures that are unavailable in Kenya will be covered by the Social Health Authority (SHA).
36 such treatments will be covered at a maximum cost of half a million shillings, according to the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel.
According to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, this is essential to maintain the sustainability of SHA’s overseas treatment as well as to prevent medical tourism and corruption between local and foreign physicians.
SHA: Abroad Procedures Limit
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) January 29, 2026
SHA to cover only 36 procedures not available in Kenya
Procedures will be covered at the maximum cost of Ksh.500,000
Duale: We've a transparent framework for overseas referrals
Duale: Furthermore, we've introduced strict vetting protocols… pic.twitter.com/ZWbFqKFLkn
The design of the universal health coverage was altered both locally and internationally as a result of the switch from NHIF to SHA.
According to the government, medical tourism turned illness into a profitable enterprise, draining both the patient’s and the public coffers.
“That era is over. We have introduced a robust, transparent framework for overseas referrals that puts the patient first and protects our resources,” said CS Duale.
A patient can no longer be referred overseas for an operation that can be completed at home, according to the Health CS.
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) January 29, 2026
The Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel, a specialist committee of experts, has determined 36 initiatives that Kenya is now unable to manage.
These include joint repairs, bone replacement, liver, bone marrow, and pediatric kidney transplants, as well as bone marrow transplants for blood malignancies.
Voice box transplants, fetal blood transfusions and treatment, stem cell transplantation, complicated congenital cardiac surgery, nerve therapy, and contemporary cancer treatment are a few more.
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“If your condition isn’t on that list, the SHA won’t foot the bill,” stated Duale.
“These are the only conditions for which SHA will authorize treatment abroad. Furthermore, we have introduced strict vetting protocols.”
The overseas treatment safety net has a ceiling. SHA will now cap overseas payments at half a million shillings.
While critics argue that this might be low for complex cases, the ministry insists this ensures sustainability and encourages the growth of local specialist care.
SHA Lists 36 Medical Procedures, Approved International Treatment Cover
