Faith-Based hospitals face closure over unpaid government debts

Faith-based hospitals in Kenya are facing possible closure due to unpaid debts from the Social Health Authority (SHA), raising concerns over access to medical care for millions of Kenyans.

Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Nairobi Diocese on Tuesday warned that the government’s failure to settle outstanding payments could force these hospitals to shut down.

"It is obvious, if they don’t pay, there will be a shutdown. You know the church has a bigger percentage of medical services to help the government and the people of Kenya," Anyolo stated.

The crisis comes despite assurances from President William Ruto that all pending claims would be settled immediately.

However, weeks after the promise, faith-based hospitals say they are yet to receive payments, pushing them further into financial distress.

These institutions provide over 40 percent of healthcare services in Kenya, particularly in rural areas where medical facilities are limited.

The risk of closure threatens to leave low-income and marginalized communities without essential care.

Three weeks ago, the President ordered the payment of all hospitals with claims of Sh10 million and below, covering 91 percent of facilities under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

However, faith-based hospitals insist they have not received their funds, worsening their financial situation.

Father Simon Ngang'a, Board Chair of Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital in Thika, emphasized the dire consequences of the delayed payments.

"It is going to incapacitate us, and we may not be able to provide services as per the strategic plan. If we get this money, we will be able to run this hospital in a better way," he said.

Archbishop Anyolo urged the government to collaborate with faith-based healthcare providers to address the crisis.

"We give services, but we also need to improve on those services, and it’s important that we are also listened to and work together with the Ministry of Health and also the government as such," he said.

The issue of unpaid NHIF claims has long plagued faith-based hospitals.

In February, Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri disclosed that these institutions were owed more than Sh250 million, a debt that has severely strained their operations.

"We still have over Sh250 million owed to us by the government for the last four years. We try, we cry, we appeal, we plead, but we seem to receive noncommittal responses," Muheria said.

"In any industry or a company, Sh250 million is a debt that paralyses an institution, yet we have continued offering services," he added.

Muheria called on the government to settle the debts to prevent further disruption of healthcare services in faith-based hospitals.

With no clear solution in sight, the uncertainty over these payments continues to cast doubt on the future of many hospitals serving vulnerable communities.