Aasai

Nairobi Diocese Archbishop Philip Anyolo has raised alarm over the imminent closure of more than 1,600 faith-based hospitals due to unpaid debts by the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Speaking on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital in Thika, Anyolo urged the government to urgently clear pending payments, warning that failure to do so would cripple essential healthcare services provided by church-run medical facilities.

"If they don’t pay, there will be a shutdown. The church plays a major role in healthcare, assisting both the government and the people of Kenya," Anyolo stated.

Faith-Based Hospitals Struggling to Operate

Faith-based hospitals, which account for over 40% of healthcare services in Kenya, particularly in rural and underserved areas, are struggling due to mounting financial constraints.

📌 NHIF owes faith-based hospitals over KSh 250 million, with some claims dating back years.
📌 The transition to the new Social Health Authority (SHA) has added further delays, with outstanding claims now totaling KSh 15 billion.
📌 Hospitals are unable to sustain operations, leading to fears of closure and reduced access to medical care for vulnerable communities.

Government Promises Yet to Be Fulfilled

The crisis comes despite President William Ruto’s promise on March 5 to settle all pending NHIF claims for public, private, and faith-based hospitals.

President Ruto had directed the Cabinet Secretary for Health to gazette a verification committee within a week to facilitate payments. However, weeks later, no payments have been made, leaving hospitals in financial distress.

Faith-based institutions now warn that if immediate action is not taken, Kenya’s healthcare system—already under strain—could face a major crisis with hospital shutdowns.