Last updated: February 2026 | Source: Social Health Authority (SHA) / Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)
Quick Reference: SHA-Accredited Private Hospitals & Clinics in Elgeyo-Marakwet
| # | Facility Name | Location | Facility Type | Level | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chesongoch Mission Hospital | Eldoret (P.O Box 8409-30100) | Hospital | Level 4 | Private |
| 2 | Bliss Healthcare Ltd – Iten | Iten (P.O Box 5763-00200) | Medical Clinic | Level 2 | Private |
| 3 | Cheptongei Medical Clinic | Eldoret (P.O Box 3790-30100) | Medical Clinic | Level 2 | Private |
| 4 | LJ Malel Medical Centre Ltd | Eldoret (P.O Box 10583-30100) | Medical Clinic | Level 2 | Private |
| 5 | Bedens Healthcare Kapcherop | Kapcherop (P.O Box 59-30204) | Medical Clinic | Level 2 | Private |
| 6 | Bestana Clinic | Kapsowar (P.O Box 222-30705) | Medical Clinic | Level 2 | Private |
| 7 | Flax Savanis Medical Centre | Eldoret (P.O Box 2594-30100) | Medical Clinic | Level 2 | Private |
| 8 | Invela Health Care Ltd | Elgeyo-Marakwet | Medical Centre | Level 3A | Private |
| 9 | Mercy and Grace Clinic Limited | Elgeyo-Marakwet | Medical Clinic | Level 2 | Private |
| 10 | Harry Faith Medical Services Kapcherop | Kapcherop | Medical Clinic | Level 2 | Private |
| 11 | Elite Lifecare Center | Iten (P.O Box 325-30700) | Medical Clinic | Level 2 | Private |
| 12 | Zade Medical Clinic | Kapsowar (P.O Box 46-30705) | Medical Clinic | Level 2 | Private |
| 13 | Equity Afia Limited – Iten Medical Centre | Iten (P.O Box 75104-00200) | Medical Centre | Level 3A | Private |
| 14 | Kapsia Health Care | Iten (P.O Box 227-30700) | Medical Clinic | Level 2 | Private |
| 15 | Phomedics Medical Clinic Ltd | Kapcherop (P.O Box 182-30204) | Medical Clinic | Level 2 | Private |
Introduction
Elgeyo-Marakwet County, nestled in Kenya's Rift Valley region and home to approximately 454,480 residents, has made remarkable strides in healthcare access since the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA). The county — famous worldwide as the training ground of elite long-distance runners — has emerged as one of Kenya's leading counties in SHA enrolment and healthcare participation, ranking among the top four counties nationally with an enrolment rate of approximately 45% of its targeted population.
The Social Health Authority replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in October 2024 as Kenya's primary public health insurance scheme. Under SHA, Kenyans can access affordable medical care at accredited public, private, and faith-based facilities. For residents of Elgeyo-Marakwet, SHA accreditation of private hospitals and clinics has dramatically expanded their options for quality healthcare beyond government facilities.
This article provides a comprehensive look at the SHA-accredited private hospitals and health facilities in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, drawing from data published by KMPDC (Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council) and SHA.
Understanding SHA Accreditation
Before exploring the facilities in detail, it is important to understand what SHA accreditation means. The Social Health Authority accredits health facilities based on licensing by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). Only facilities that are formally licensed and have contracted with SHA are authorised to receive payment for services rendered to SHA members.
Kenya's health facilities are classified into levels ranging from Level 2 (basic dispensaries and clinics) to Level 6 (national teaching and referral hospitals). For private facilities in Elgeyo-Marakwet, most are Level 2 medical clinics, with a select few operating as Level 3A medical centres or Level 4 hospitals. SHA covers outpatient, inpatient, maternity, emergency, and specialised care depending on the facility level and the member's benefit package.
SHA and Healthcare Progress in Elgeyo-Marakwet
Elgeyo-Marakwet County has distinguished itself as a leader in SHA implementation. By late 2024, health facilities across the county had collectively claimed over Ksh 75 million from SHA — a figure that underscores both high enrolment and active utilisation of the scheme. The county's 131 public health facilities are all SHA-registered, and the private sector has followed suit.
The county government, under Governor Wisley Rotich and Health CEC Monica Rotich, has committed to ensuring that all residents benefit from SHA. Over 1,200 community health promoters have been trained and equipped with registration gadgets to reach residents even in remote areas such as the Kerio Valley, Tot, and Kamwosor.
The national government has also partnered with Elgeyo-Marakwet to digitise health systems, with the county selected as one of the pilot counties for SHA's healthcare digitisation programme. This means private facilities in the county are being integrated into digital claim-lodging systems, making it easier for SHA members to access and pay for services.
Detailed Profiles of SHA-Accredited Private Facilities
1. Chesongoch Mission Hospital (Level 4)
Chesongoch Mission Hospital stands as the most comprehensive private health facility in Elgeyo-Marakwet accredited under SHA. Operating at Level 4, it provides a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services, including maternity care, surgical services, and diagnostic facilities. The hospital plays a critical role in serving communities in the more remote parts of the county and accepts SHA insurance for a wide range of services.
2. Equity Afia Limited – Iten Medical Centre (Level 3A)
A branch of the nationally recognised Equity Afia network, this facility in Iten operates at Level 3A and offers a comprehensive suite of primary healthcare services. Equity Afia is renowned for its use of modern technology and electronic health records. SHA members visiting this centre can access general outpatient consultations, laboratory tests, pharmacy services, maternal and child health services, and minor procedures. Its location in Iten town makes it one of the most accessible private centres for county residents.
3. Invela Health Care Ltd (Level 3A)
Another Level 3A facility, Invela Health Care Ltd provides intermediate primary care services in the county. It is equipped to handle a wider range of health conditions than basic Level 2 clinics and accepts SHA claims for both outpatient and select inpatient services.
4. Bliss Healthcare Ltd – Iten (Level 2)
Bliss Healthcare is a well-known Kenyan private healthcare chain with a presence in Iten. The clinic offers general outpatient services including consultations, basic diagnostics, pharmacy, and maternal health. As an SHA-accredited facility, Bliss Healthcare Iten is a convenient and affordable option for SHA-enrolled members in the Iten area.
5. Bedens Healthcare Kapcherop (Level 2)
Located in Kapcherop, this facility serves residents in the northern part of the county where access to health services can be challenging due to terrain. As an SHA-accredited clinic, Bedens Healthcare provides essential primary care services to a population that might otherwise travel long distances for medical attention.
6. Harry Faith Medical Services Kapcherop (Level 2)
Also located in Kapcherop, Harry Faith Medical Services complements other facilities in the area, offering primary outpatient care and basic diagnostics to SHA cardholders.
7. Bestana Clinic (Level 2)
Serving the Kapsowar area alongside the prominent AIC Kapsowar Mission Hospital, Bestana Clinic provides accessible basic outpatient care. Its SHA accreditation ensures that residents of Kapsowar have a private alternative when seeking healthcare services.
8. Zade Medical Clinic (Level 2)
Also based in Kapsowar, Zade Medical Clinic adds to the private healthcare options in this sub-county headquarters town. The clinic offers general consultations and basic diagnostics for SHA members.
9. Elite Lifecare Center (Level 2)
Located in Iten, Elite Lifecare Center provides outpatient services including consultations, basic laboratory, and pharmacy services. Iten, as the county headquarters, benefits from having multiple private clinics like Elite Lifecare which reduce pressure on the Iten County Referral Hospital.
10. Kapsia Health Care (Level 2)
Also operating in Iten, Kapsia Health Care provides essential outpatient services and is accessible to SHA members. It serves both residents of Iten town and those coming from surrounding sub-counties for county-level services.
11. Phomedics Medical Clinic Ltd (Level 2)
Based in Kapcherop, Phomedics offers primary healthcare services with SHA accreditation. Its presence in Kapcherop helps meet the healthcare demands of the northern zone of the county.
12. Mercy and Grace Clinic Limited (Level 2)
This SHA-accredited clinic offers basic outpatient services in the county. It caters to patients seeking affordable private healthcare options while utilising their SHA membership.
13. Flax Savanis Medical Centre (Level 2)
Flax Savanis Medical Centre provides outpatient care and basic diagnostics. The facility serves SHA members seeking accessible primary care.
14. LJ Malel Medical Centre Ltd (Level 2)
LJ Malel Medical Centre is another SHA-accredited private facility providing general outpatient healthcare. The clinic is suited for routine consultations, prescriptions, and basic health screenings.
15. Cheptongei Medical Clinic (Level 2)
Cheptongei Medical Clinic rounds out the list of SHA-accredited private Level 2 facilities in the county. It provides primary care services to SHA cardholders and accepts SHA claims for eligible services.
Faith-Based Hospitals That Also Serve as SHA-Accredited Facilities
While the primary focus of this article is on privately owned facilities, it is worth noting that Elgeyo-Marakwet also has several faith-based organisations (FBOs) that operate as SHA-accredited facilities and function similarly to private hospitals:
- A.I.C Kapsowar Mission Hospital (Level 5) — One of the most significant healthcare facilities in the county, serving a large catchment area in the Marakwet sub-county. It has generated substantial SHA claims and provides specialised services rarely found at Level 4 facilities in rural Kenya.
- Chesongoch Mission Hospital (Level 4) — Provides broad inpatient and outpatient care.
- Arror Health Centre (Level 3A) — An FBO-run basic health centre.
- Endo Health Centre Mission (Level 3B) — A faith-based health centre.
How to Access Services at SHA-Accredited Private Facilities
To access care at any SHA-accredited private hospital or clinic in Elgeyo-Marakwet, members should:
- Ensure SHA registration — Register at any SHA-accredited facility, sub-county health office, or online at sha.go.ke. Your national ID and a contribution of Ksh 500 per household member per month (or income-assessed amounts) are required.
- Present your SHA card or number — Upon visiting a facility, present your SHA membership details for verification through the electronic health management system.
- Understand your benefit package — SHA covers outpatient services under the Primary Healthcare Fund, while inpatient and specialised care is covered under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
- Verify facility accreditation — Always confirm that a private facility is SHA-accredited before assuming your costs will be covered. You can check the current list of accredited facilities on the SHA portal at sha.go.ke.
Elgeyo-Marakwet County has made commendable progress in integrating private healthcare facilities into the SHA ecosystem. With at least 15 licensed private hospitals and clinics now SHA-accredited — ranging from Level 2 clinics in Kapcherop and Kapsowar to Level 3A medical centres and a Level 4 hospital — residents have more options than ever for affordable, quality healthcare. As SHA's digital systems continue to improve and enrolment rates climb, the private health sector in Elgeyo-Marakwet is well positioned to play an increasingly vital role in achieving universal health coverage for all county residents.
Chat About ThisDisclaimer: This list is based on KMPDC licensing data and SHA-accredited facility records as of 2024–2025. Accreditation statuses may change. Always verify current SHA accreditation directly with the Social Health Authority at sha.go.ke or by calling the SHA helpline before visiting a facility.
