Private hospitals could face revocation of their licenses if they fail to comply with the Social Health Authority (SHA) regulations on outpatient services.

Health Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai made the declaration on Monday, March 17, sounding a warning to private hospitals which turned away patients seeking outpatient services.

Speaking during the launch and presentation of digitization devices in Embu County, Kimtai expressed concern over the reluctance of private healthcare providers to offer outpatient services under the new healthcare model. "From the statistics and data we have seen, we have realized that most of the private facilities are not participating in outpatient services, which is primary healthcare funding," Kimtai said, adding that non-compliant health facilities could face serious consequences, including denial of registration and a possible shutdown.

Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai during a consultative meeting in Nairobi on March 12, 2025.