Duale grants one month extension for SHA – HMIS transition

The Kenyan government has granted a one-month extension for health facilities yet to complete the transition from the Social Health Authority (SHA) Provider Portal to the Health Management Information System (HMIS). Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the extension, which will cover public Level 5 and 6 facilities, faith-based organization (FBO) facilities, and private health institutions as the country continues its shift towards a fully digital and paperless health information system.

Duale reported that the transition process has progressed well, with all 6,427 public Level 2 and 4 health facilities successfully migrating to the new system. Additionally, 23 facilities are currently in various stages of transition. He predicted that complete transition across all Level 5 public facilities will be achieved by 30 October 2026.

The government has extended the deadline for public Level 5 and 6 health facilities, FBO facilities, and private institutions to transition by 30 October 2026. During this period, the Digital Health Agency (DHA) will carry out Rapid Results Initiatives (RRI) with these facilities to assist them in completing the transition.

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. For faith-based facilities, the government is providing assistance to install and transition the 518 contracted facilities to HMIS, and 38 of these have already completed the transition, with the remaining expected to finish by the same deadline.

The Ministry of Health assured patients that the transition will not impact access to healthcare services. It emphasized that no patient will be denied care due to a facility's incomplete transition to HMIS. All patients will continue to receive services at facilities that have not yet fully transitioned to the new system. Duale urged the remaining facilities to expedite the transition process and seek technical assistance from the Digital Health Agency if needed.