Trans-Nzoia County is one of Kenya's 47 counties, located in the former Rift Valley Province in the North Rift region, nestled between the Nzoia River and the iconic Mount Elgon. The county covers an area of approximately 2,495.6 square kilometres and is home to a population of over 990,000 residents (2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census). Its capital and largest town is Kitale, a bustling agricultural centre that also serves as the county's primary commercial and healthcare hub.

Often referred to as "Kenya's Breadbasket" due to its large-scale maize and dairy farming, Trans-Nzoia has five administrative sub-counties: Cherangany, Kwanza, Saboti, Endebess, and Kiminini. The county is well-connected by major roads, including the National Trunk Road 1A, and has a modern airstrip, making it a regional economic hub with growing healthcare infrastructure.

In terms of health facilities, Trans-Nzoia County has approximately 146 healthcare facilities, including government hospitals, private hospitals, nursing homes, medical clinics, dispensaries, and health centres. Among the notable institutions are the Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital (previously the Trans Nzoia County Referral Hospital), several sub-county hospitals, and a growing network of accredited private facilities.

What is SHA? Understanding Kenya's Social Health Authority

The Social Health Authority (SHA) is a State Corporation of the Government of Kenya, responsible for the provision and management of public health insurance across the country. SHA was established through the Social Health Insurance Act, enacted on 22 November 2023, and officially began operations on 1 October 2024, replacing the long-standing National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), which had operated since 1966.

SHA's core mandate is to provide accessible, affordable, sustainable, and quality health insurance for all Kenyan citizens — and applicable foreigners — in alignment with Kenya's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

The Three Funds Under SHA

SHA operates through three key funds:

  1. Primary Healthcare Fund (PHCF) — Directly financed by the Kenyan government. This fund covers health services at Levels 1, 2, 3, and select Level 4 facilities, focusing on preventive and basic curative care.

  2. Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) — Funded by member contributions (2.75% of monthly salary for salaried employees, or as low as KES 300 per month for those in the informal sector, based on means-testing). SHIF pays for inpatient treatment, surgical care, radiology, dialysis, and other services at Levels 4, 5, and 6 hospitals.

  3. Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF) — Covers emergency care, chronic disease management, and critical illness treatment across contracted facilities.

How SHA Accreditation Works

For a private hospital to accept SHA patients and receive reimbursements, it must be:

  • Licensed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) — the body mandated under Cap 253 of the Laws of Kenya to register and issue annual licences to all private, community, and faith-based health facilities.
  • Contracted/empanelled by SHA — the facility signs an agreement with SHA to provide covered services and submits claims digitally through the SHA platform.
  • Compliant with SHA standards — including maintaining proper medical records, staffing levels, infrastructure, and reporting requirements.

As of late 2024, SHA had contracted over 4,760 public health facilities across the country, alongside numerous private and faith-based providers, to ensure broad coverage under the UHC framework.

Key SHA Benefits for Patients

  • Outpatient consultation and treatment
  • Inpatient admission and surgery
  • Maternity services (including the Linda Mama programme for free maternity care)
  • Laboratory diagnostics and radiology
  • Dialysis and cancer treatment (at designated facilities)
  • Dental, optical, and physiotherapy services (where covered)
  • Emergency care

How to Register for SHA

Kenyans can register for SHA through the following channels:

  • USSD Code: Dial *147# on any mobile network
  • Online Portal: Visit www.afyayangu.go.ke
  • Huduma Centres across the country
  • Assisted registration at contracted health facilities

Note: Always verify a facility's SHA accreditation status before seeking treatment to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs. You can confirm on www.sha.go.ke or contact the SHA Head Office at Bandari Plaza, Woodvale Grove, Nairobi — Phone: +254 (0)20 2731443.

Healthcare Landscape in Trans-Nzoia County

Trans-Nzoia County's healthcare system is structured around a mix of government, private, and faith-based facilities spread across its five sub-counties. The county's main public facilities include:

  • Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital (Level 5) — The primary referral hospital serving the entire county and the wider North Rift region, located in Kitale.
  • Kapsara Sub-County Hospital — Serving the Cherangany sub-county.
  • Cherangany Sub-County Hospital — Located along the Kitale-Eldoret corridor.
  • Endebess Sub-County Hospital — Serving Endebess and surrounding areas.
  • Saboti Sub-County Hospital — In the Saboti sub-county area.

Private hospitals in the county complement public facilities, offering faster access to services, specialised care, and a more personalised patient experience. Many of these private facilities are SHA-accredited, enabling insured Kenyans to access their services under the SHA benefit package.

Healthcare Facility Levels in Kenya

Kenya classifies health facilities into levels based on their capacity, staffing, and range of services:

Level Type Services Offered
Level 1 Community health units Basic community outreach, health promotion
Level 2 Dispensaries & clinics Basic outpatient care, vaccinations, minor treatments
Level 3A Medical centres Enhanced diagnostics, outpatient services
Level 3B Nursing/maternity homes Inpatient care, maternity, minor surgeries
Level 4 Hospitals Inpatient, outpatient, surgery, specialised care
Level 5 County referral hospitals Comprehensive diagnostics, specialised treatment, ICU
Level 6 National referral hospitals National-level complex care (e.g., KNH, Moi Teaching & Referral)

Most SHA-accredited private hospitals in Trans-Nzoia fall within Levels 2 to 4, with the more established ones operating as Level 4 hospitals offering both inpatient and outpatient services.

List of SHA Accredited Private Hospitals in Trans-Nzoia County

The following private hospitals in Trans-Nzoia County are licenced by the KMPDC and are recognised as SHA-accredited or contracted facilities. They operate across Kitale town and the wider sub-county areas.

1. Crystal Cottage Hospital and Medical Clinic Ltd

Location: Milimani Area, Off Showground Road, Kitale Town (approximately 200 metres from Milimani Secondary School). A satellite clinic is also located along Moi Avenue Street, opposite Kitale Law Courts.

SHA Status: Active (contracted for both Inpatient and Outpatient services)

Contact: 0779 727050 / 0777 761460

Background: Crystal Cottage Hospital is one of the most established private hospitals in Trans-Nzoia County. It began as a small clinic in Kitale in 1989, founded by Dr. Arthur Mmbulika Usagi, a paediatric specialist. Driven by his passion for community health, the clinic progressively expanded into a medical centre in the early 1990s and eventually grew into a fully-fledged hospital. Today, it is recognised as one of the county's leading private healthcare providers.

Services Offered:

  • General medicine (inpatient and outpatient)
  • Paediatrics
  • Maternity and obstetrics
  • Gynaecology
  • Laboratory diagnostics
  • Pharmacy
  • Radiology and imaging
  • Surgery
  • Emergency care

2. Bliss GVS Healthcare – Kitale

Location: Mega City Mall, Kitale Town

SHA Status: Active (Outpatient services)

Contact: 0780 622 129

Background: Bliss GVS Healthcare is a reputable Kenyan healthcare chain with branches across multiple counties. The Kitale branch, located in the busy Mega City Mall, offers accessible outpatient services in a modern, well-equipped environment. It is known for its X-ray, ultrasound, laboratory, pharmacy, and general doctor consultation services, making it a popular choice among Kitale residents for primary care.

Services Offered:

  • X-ray and radiology
  • Ultrasound
  • Laboratory diagnostics
  • Pharmacy
  • Doctor consultations
  • Optical services

3. Cherangany Nursing Home

Location: Along the Kitale-Eldoret Highway, Kitale Town

SHA Status: SHA-recognised; Outpatient clinic active

Contact: 0713 644 440

Background: Cherangany Nursing Home is one of Trans-Nzoia County's best-known and longest-serving private healthcare institutions. Strategically located along the busy Kitale-Eldoret Highway, it serves both urban Kitale residents and travellers along this major corridor. The facility is particularly popular for maternal and family health services, and it offers a range of specialised medical services that set it apart from smaller clinics in the region.

Services Offered:

  • Maternity and obstetrics (antenatal, delivery, postnatal)
  • Family planning
  • Orthopaedics
  • Radiology and imaging
  • Physiotherapy
  • Laboratory diagnostics
  • Pharmacy
  • Ambulance services

4. Mt Elgon Hospital

Location: Kitale Town (approximately 200 metres from the Wamalwa Kijana County Referral Hospital); additional operations in Saboti Sub-County

SHA Status: SHA-contracted

Contact: 0723 206 502

Background: Mt Elgon Hospital is one of the most prominent private hospitals in Trans-Nzoia County. Named after the iconic Mount Elgon that forms a natural boundary between Kenya and Uganda, the hospital has grown significantly over the years. In October 2025, the facility achieved a major milestone with the opening of the Mt Elgon Hospital Cancer Centre — the first oncology centre in Trans-Nzoia County. The development was celebrated by county officials, including Governor George Natembeya, and is expected to transform access to cancer screening, treatment, and palliative care for residents who previously had to travel to Eldoret or Nairobi for such services.

Services Offered:

  • General medicine (inpatient and outpatient)
  • Maternity and obstetrics
  • Dental services
  • Pharmacy
  • Laboratory diagnostics
  • Ambulance services
  • Radiology and imaging
  • Physiotherapy
  • Oncology and cancer care (newly opened Cancer Centre, 2025)
  • Palliative care

5. Galilee Medical Centre

Location: Milimani, Off Kitale-Eldoret Road, Kitale Town

SHA Status: SHA-accredited (Inpatient and Outpatient)

Contact: 0718 001 373 / 0772 400 021

Background: Galilee Medical Centre is a well-regarded private hospital serving the Milimani neighbourhood in Kitale. Located off the Kitale-Eldoret Road, it is known for its clean environment, experienced medical staff, and modern equipment. It is a popular destination for maternity services, general care, and specialist consultations, and is highly recommended in the county for its patient-centred approach.

Services Offered:

  • Inpatient and outpatient curative services
  • Maternity care (antenatal, delivery, postnatal)
  • Obstetrics and gynaecology
  • Laboratory diagnostics
  • Pharmacy
  • Radiology (X-ray, ultrasound)
  • General surgery

6. Kitale Nursing & Maternity Home

Location: Matisi Area (Central Division), Kitale Town, Trans Nzoia West

SHA Status: SHA-accredited

Contact: +254 054 20775

Background: Kitale Nursing & Maternity Home is one of the county's most established private healthcare facilities, with a long history of serving Kitale residents. It is classified as an Other Hospital (Level 3B/4) under the Kenya Master Health Facility Registry and is privately owned. The facility has built a solid reputation for maternal and child health services, and is a trusted choice for families in and around Kitale Town.

Services Offered:

  • Basic emergency obstetric care
  • Curative inpatient and outpatient services
  • Maternity services (normal and complicated deliveries)
  • Family planning
  • Pharmacy
  • Laboratory diagnostics
  • Post-natal care

7. Kiminini Cottage Hospital

Location: Kiminini Town, Kiminini Sub-County, Trans-Nzoia County

SHA Status: SHA-accredited; Linda Mama programme provider

Contact: 0723 644 555

Background: Kiminini Cottage Hospital is the leading private hospital in Kiminini Town, one of the busiest towns in Trans-Nzoia County, located approximately 22 kilometres from Kitale along the Kitale-Webuye road. As a certified Linda Mama provider under the SHA framework, it offers free maternity services to registered Kenyan mothers. The hospital is well regarded for its commitment to maternal health, community care, and its dedicated approach to serving the local population, including those in the peri-urban and rural fringes of Kiminini.

Services Offered:

  • General medical consultations (inpatient and outpatient)
  • Maternity services (free under Linda Mama/SHA)
  • Laboratory diagnostics
  • Pharmacy
  • Family planning
  • Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT)

8. Royal Gardens Hospital

Location: Kitale Town

SHA Status: SHA-accredited

Contact: 0746 062 929

Background: Royal Gardens Hospital is a modern private facility in Kitale Town, known for the quality of its services and the comfort it offers patients. The hospital has gained a strong reputation for maternity services, offering both normal and caesarean deliveries in a well-equipped setting. It is a preferred choice for families seeking personalised and professional care in a clean, well-maintained environment.

Services Offered:

  • Maternity services (normal and caesarean delivery)
  • Prenatal and antenatal care
  • Post-natal care
  • General medicine
  • Inpatient and outpatient treatment

9. Aga Khan Medical Clinic – Kitale

Location: Kitale Town, Saboti Sub-County

SHA Status: SHA-recognised facility; also listed as a cancer screening centre

Background: The Aga Khan Medical Clinic in Kitale is a branch of the internationally recognised Aga Khan Health Services, which operates a network of high-quality healthcare facilities across East Africa. In Kitale, the clinic is recognised for its quality standards and professional medical staff. It is also listed as a cancer screening centre by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), making it a vital facility for early cancer detection in the county.

Services Offered:

  • General outpatient consultations
  • Laboratory diagnostics
  • Pharmacy
  • Cancer screening
  • Preventive healthcare

10. Equity Afia Medical Centre – Kitale

Location: Park Road / Kitale Town Centre

SHA Status: Active (Outpatient services)

Background: Equity Afia Medical Centre is part of the Equity Afia chain, a network of health clinics established by Equity Group Holdings to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible to Kenyans. The Kitale branch offers a range of outpatient services and is known for its patient-friendly approach, efficient service delivery, and affordable consultation fees.

Services Offered:

  • General outpatient consultations
  • Dental services
  • Laboratory diagnostics
  • Optical services
  • Gynaecology
  • Pharmacy
  • Diagnostics (ENT, general)

11. Bacasavi (Counselling & Wellness Services) Hospital

Location: Kitale Town

SHA Status: Active (Inpatient and Outpatient)

Background: Bacasavi Hospital is a mental health and wellness facility in Kitale, providing critical counselling, psychological, and psychiatric services to Trans-Nzoia residents. Given the growing recognition of mental health as a key component of overall wellbeing, Bacasavi plays an important role in addressing the mental health gap in the county. It is contracted under SHA for both inpatient and outpatient services.

Services Offered:

  • Counselling and psychotherapy
  • Mental health assessment and treatment
  • Inpatient psychiatric care
  • Wellness services
  • Outpatient mental health consultations

12. Sister Freda's Medical Centre

Location: Kitale Town

SHA Status: SHA-accredited; Linda Mama programme provider

Background: Sister Freda's Medical Centre is a beloved community healthcare institution in Kitale, widely known for its warmth, affordability, and commitment to maternal health. As a recognised Linda Mama provider under SHA, it offers free maternity services to registered mothers. The centre is particularly popular among expectant women for its comprehensive antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care services.

Services Offered:

  • Free maternity services (under Linda Mama/SHA)
  • Antenatal care
  • Delivery (normal and assisted)
  • Post-natal care
  • General outpatient treatment

13. St Andrews Medical Clinic

Location: Kitale Town

SHA Status: SHA-accredited; Linda Mama programme provider

Background: St Andrews Medical Clinic is another SHA-contracted facility in Kitale that participates in the Linda Mama programme, providing free maternity services to eligible mothers. The clinic offers quality prenatal and postnatal services and has earned a positive reputation for its professional staff and patient-focused care.

Services Offered:

  • Free maternity services (under Linda Mama/SHA)
  • Prenatal and antenatal care
  • Delivery services
  • Post-natal care
  • General outpatient consultations

14. Andersen Medical Centre

Location: Endebess Sub-County, Trans-Nzoia County

SHA Status: SHA-recognised; cancer screening centre

Background: Andersen Medical Centre is located in Endebess and serves the eastern parts of Trans-Nzoia County. It is listed among the county's cancer screening centres by the National Cancer Control Programme, making it an important facility for early detection services in a sub-county that is otherwise underserved by specialist healthcare.

Services Offered:

  • General outpatient services
  • Cancer screening
  • Laboratory diagnostics
  • Preventive healthcare

Summary Table of SHA Accredited Private Hospitals in Trans-Nzoia County

# Hospital Name Location SHA Services Contact
1 Crystal Cottage Hospital & Medical Clinic Ltd Milimani, Kitale IP & OP 0779 727050 / 0777 761460
2 Bliss GVS Healthcare – Kitale Mega City Mall, Kitale OP 0780 622 129
3 Cherangany Nursing Home Kitale-Eldoret Hwy OP (IP available) 0713 644 440
4 Mt Elgon Hospital Kitale / Saboti IP & OP 0723 206 502
5 Galilee Medical Centre Milimani, Kitale IP & OP 0718 001 373
6 Kitale Nursing & Maternity Home Matisi, Kitale IP & OP +254 054 20775
7 Kiminini Cottage Hospital Kiminini Town IP & OP (Linda Mama) 0723 644 555
8 Royal Gardens Hospital Kitale Town IP & OP 0746 062 929
9 Aga Khan Medical Clinic – Kitale Saboti, Kitale OP —
10 Equity Afia Medical Centre – Kitale Kitale Town OP —
11 Bacasavi Hospital Kitale Town IP & OP TBA
12 Sister Freda's Medical Centre Kitale Town OP (Linda Mama) —
13 St Andrews Medical Clinic Kitale Town OP (Linda Mama) —
14 Andersen Medical Centre Endebess OP —

IP = Inpatient | OP = Outpatient | Linda Mama = Free maternity services under SHA

Special Services Available in Trans-Nzoia Under SHA

Maternity & Linda Mama Programme

Several private hospitals in Trans-Nzoia are approved Linda Mama providers, which means registered SHA members can access free maternity services, including antenatal visits, delivery, and postnatal care. These include Kiminini Cottage Hospital, Sister Freda's Medical Centre, and St Andrews Medical Clinic.

Oncology & Cancer Care

The Mt Elgon Hospital Cancer Centre, opened in October 2025, is a landmark development for the county — the first dedicated oncology and palliative care centre in Trans-Nzoia. For cancer screening, facilities like the Aga Khan Medical Clinic (Kitale) and Andersen Medical Centre (Endebess) are listed by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) as screening centres. SHA covers cancer treatment at designated national and county-level cancer care facilities.

Mental Health Services

Bacasavi Hospital in Kitale is the primary private facility offering dedicated mental health and counselling services in Trans-Nzoia under the SHA framework, filling a critical gap in the county's mental healthcare landscape.

Dialysis (Renal Care)

As of 2025, specialised dialysis services are not widely available within Trans-Nzoia County's private sector. Patients requiring dialysis are typically referred to the Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital or to higher-level facilities in Eldoret (such as Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital or Mediheal Hospital) that are contracted under SHA's ECCIF for renal care.

Challenges Facing SHA-Accredited Private Hospitals in Trans-Nzoia

Like their counterparts across the country, SHA-accredited private hospitals in Trans-Nzoia have faced significant challenges since SHA's launch in October 2024:

1. Delayed SHA Claims Payments The Rural Private Health Association (RUPHA) noted that many private facilities — which reported the lowest claims settlement rate of approximately 27% nationally — have struggled with cash flow due to delayed reimbursements from SHA. This has affected the ability of hospitals to stock medicines, pay staff, and maintain services.

2. Low SHA Registration Rates County health officials have highlighted that Trans-Nzoia records one of the lowest SHA enrolment rates in the country, limiting the number of patients who can access SHA-covered services at contracted private facilities.

3. System Teething Problems As a new system, SHA has faced technical and administrative challenges, including digital integration issues, pre-authorisation delays, and confusion over benefit packages. Health workers and patients alike have had to navigate a steep learning curve.

4. Urban-Rural Disparity Most of the SHA-accredited private hospitals are concentrated in Kitale Town. Residents in more remote areas — including parts of Kwanza, West Pokot border areas, and the deep interior of Endebess — have limited access to accredited private facilities.

Tips for Using SHA at Private Hospitals in Trans-Nzoia

  1. Register with SHA — Visit www.afyayangu.go.ke, dial *147#, or go to a Huduma Centre or any accredited facility to register.
  2. Undergo means-testing — This determines your monthly SHIF contribution rate. Salaried employees are automatically deducted 2.75% of gross salary.
  3. Verify the hospital is SHA-contracted — Always confirm before visiting. Use the SHA website or call the hospital directly.
  4. Carry your SHA registration details — A national ID and SHA membership number are required for access.
  5. For maternity, check Linda Mama eligibility — Registered SHA members can access free maternity services at Linda Mama-approved facilities.
  6. For emergencies — You can access care at any Level 4 and above contracted hospital; SHA covers emergency care under the ECCIF fund.
  7. Keep track of pre-authorisation codes — For major procedures, ensure the facility generates a pre-authorisation code to prevent claim rejection.

Conclusion

Trans-Nzoia County has a growing network of SHA-accredited private hospitals that are playing an increasingly important role in complementing the county's public health system. From the well-established Crystal Cottage Hospital and Mt Elgon Hospital to the community-focused Kiminini Cottage Hospital and Sister Freda's Medical Centre, residents across the county have multiple options for accessing quality, insured healthcare.

The Social Health Authority, launched on 1 October 2024, represents a transformative shift in Kenya's healthcare financing system. While challenges remain — particularly around claims settlement rates and low registration numbers in Trans-Nzoia — the long-term vision of Universal Health Coverage is gradually taking shape. With milestones like the opening of Mt Elgon Hospital's Cancer Centre and the county's drive to improve SHA enrolment, Trans-Nzoia is steadily building a healthcare ecosystem that leaves no one behind.

Residents are encouraged to register with SHA, choose a preferred facility from the list above, and take advantage of the benefits that this national health insurance scheme offers.

For the most current and complete list of SHA-contracted facilities, visit the official SHA website at www.sha.go.ke or contact the Social Health Authority directly. Accreditation statuses may change, and it is always advisable to confirm with the specific facility before seeking services.

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