SHA Accepting Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities in Nairobi County
By NairobiOnline.com
SHA Hospitals in Nairobi have become the cornerstone of accessible healthcare since the Social Health Authority replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in late 2024. This comprehensive guide provides essential information about healthcare facilities accepting SHA coverage across Nairobi County.
Understanding SHA Healthcare Coverage
The new SHA scheme, which replaced NHIF in 2024, aims to make universal healthcare accessible to every Kenyan. The Social Health Authority operates under Kenya's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan, ensuring that residents can access quality medical services at approved facilities throughout the county.
"The transition from NHIF to SHA represents a significant milestone in Kenya's journey toward universal healthcare coverage for all citizens."
Major Public Hospitals Accepting SHA
1. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
- Location: Hospital Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2726300 / +254 729 000 000
- Services: Comprehensive medical services, specialized care, emergency services
- Facility Type: Level 6 National Referral Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 1,800 beds
2. Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH)
- Location: Ruaraka, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 703 999 999
- Services: Teaching hospital with specialized departments
- Facility Type: Level 6 Teaching Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 650 beds
The Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) has successfully began implementing the newly launched Social Health Authority (SHA), a key initiative by the Ministry of Health aimed at reducing healthcare costs and promoting universal healthcare.
3. Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital
- Location: Kayole, Nairobi East
- Contact: +254 20 2715788
- Services: Maternity, general medicine, pediatrics
- Facility Type: Level 5 County Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 180 beds
4. Mbagathi District Hospital
- Location: South C, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 6002000
- Services: General medicine, surgery, maternity
- Facility Type: Level 4 District Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 200 beds
Private Hospitals Accepting SHA
"Private hospitals play a crucial role in expanding healthcare access under the SHA framework, though regulatory compliance remains essential."
5. The Nairobi Hospital
- Location: Argwings Kodhek Road, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2845000
- Services: Comprehensive medical services, specialized care
- Facility Type: Level 6 Private Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 350 beds
Opened in 1954, The Nairobi Hospital has excelled in medical expertise and services provision and has deservedly earned recognition throughout East Africa and beyond as an advanced diagnostic, treatment and referral centre.
6. MP Shah Hospital
- Location: Shivachi Road, Westlands, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 707 044 115 (Emergency) / +254 111 000 600 (Appointments)
- Services: Multi-specialty hospital services
- Facility Type: Level 5 Private Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 217 beds
7. Aga Khan University Hospital
- Location: 3rd Parklands Avenue, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 3662000
- Services: Comprehensive medical and surgical services
- Facility Type: Level 6 Private Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 254 beds
8. Karen Hospital
- Location: Karen Road, Karen, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 6610000
- Services: General medicine, surgery, maternity
- Facility Type: Level 5 Private Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 150 beds
Faith-Based and Mission Hospitals
9. Mater Misericordiae Hospital
- Location: South B, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 6656000
- Services: Comprehensive medical services
- Facility Type: Level 5 Faith-Based Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 180 beds
10. St. Francis Community Hospital
- Location: Kasarani, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2012230
- Services: Community health services, general medicine
- Facility Type: Level 4 Faith-Based Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 120 beds
11. Nazareth Hospital
- Location: Limuru Road, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2720450
- Services: General medicine, surgery, maternity
- Facility Type: Level 4 Faith-Based Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 140 beds
Specialized Healthcare Facilities
12. Gertrude's Children's Hospital
- Location: Muthaiga, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2713474
- Services: Pediatric specialized care
- Facility Type: Level 5 Specialized Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 120 beds
13. Mathare Mental Hospital
- Location: Mathare, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2712501
- Services: Mental health services
- Facility Type: Level 4 Specialized Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 900 beds
14. Avenue Healthcare
- Location: Kileleshwa, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2723095
- Services: General medicine, outpatient services
- Facility Type: Level 4 Private Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 80 beds
County Government Health Facilities
"County health facilities form the backbone of primary healthcare delivery under the SHA system, ensuring community-level access to essential medical services."
15. Pumwani Maternity Hospital
- Location: Pumwani, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2227408
- Services: Maternity and reproductive health
- Facility Type: Level 4 County Hospital
- Bed Capacity: 300 beds
16. Riruta Health Centre
- Location: Riruta, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2011234
- Services: Primary healthcare services
- Facility Type: Level 3 Health Centre
- Bed Capacity: 40 beds
17. Dandora Health Centre
- Location: Dandora, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2045678
- Services: Primary healthcare, maternal health
- Facility Type: Level 3 Health Centre
- Bed Capacity: 35 beds
Important SHA Registration and Access Information
SHA Hospitals in Nairobi require patients to be registered with the Social Health Authority to access services. Registration can be completed through:
- Online Portal: Visit sha.go.ke for web-based registration
- USSD Code: Dial *147# for mobile registration
- Physical Centers: Visit any SHA branch office in Nairobi
SHA Branch Locations in Nairobi
Bandari Plaza, 1st Floor, Woodvale Grove serves as one of the key SHA registration centers, while the SHA branch in Westlands serves the growing number of members in the western part of Nairobi.
Current Challenges and Regulatory Updates
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale says 1,400 private hospitals have been shut down so far due to fraud at the Social Health Authority (SHA). This highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain quality standards and prevent fraudulent practices within the SHA system.
"Quality assurance and regulatory compliance remain top priorities as SHA continues to expand healthcare access across Nairobi County."
SHA Hospitals in Nairobi must maintain strict compliance with licensing requirements and quality standards to continue serving patients under the new healthcare framework. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) continues to monitor and license healthcare facilities to ensure they meet the required standards.
Benefits of SHA Coverage
SHA Hospitals in Nairobi offer several advantages over the previous NHIF system:
- Expanded Coverage: More comprehensive medical services included
- Reduced Out-of-Pocket Costs: Lower co-payments for many services
- Improved Access: More facilities accepting SHA coverage
- Enhanced Quality: Stricter facility accreditation standards
SHA Hospitals in Nairobi continue to expand their service offerings as the system matures, with ongoing efforts to include more specialized services and improve patient experience across all levels of healthcare delivery.
How to Verify SHA Hospital Status
Before visiting any healthcare facility, patients should verify that SHA Hospitals in Nairobi are currently accredited by:
- Checking the official SHA website at sha.go.ke
- Calling the hospital directly to confirm SHA acceptance
- Visiting the nearest SHA branch office for updated facility lists
- Using the SHA mobile app for real-time facility information
The transition to SHA represents a significant step forward in making healthcare more accessible and affordable for residents across Nairobi County, with SHA Hospitals in Nairobi playing a crucial role in this transformation.