The Social Health Authority (SHA) announced that the deadline for health facilities to complete the 2026‑2029 contracting cycle is now 14 October, giving providers an additional 14 days to finalise agreements.

SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi said the extension allows facilities to finish the e‑contracting process while existing contracts remain in force during the extra period.

Facilities must confirm acceptance, sign and return the new contract within three days of receipt to ensure uninterrupted service to SHA beneficiaries.

Only providers that accept the 14‑day extension will continue serving SHA beneficiaries; those that decline are urged to coordinate patient transfers with their county SHA managers.

SHA will hold dedicated HAKIKA contracting clinics in every county from 5 October to assist providers with the required documentation and platform navigation.

Providers that already have all required documents are encouraged to complete the process before the 14 October cut‑off rather than waiting for the extension.

SHA reported that 10,006 providers have expressed interest in the new contracts and are at various stages of completion.

The deadline shift follows a letter from the Council of Governors highlighting concerns that the contract framework treats county‑owned Level 2‑5 facilities as private entities, which they argue is incompatible with devolved health service delivery.

Governors also cited the Facilities Improvement Financing Act, 2023, noting that facility‑level officers lack authority to bind counties to contracts without explicit approval from the county chief health officer.

In response, the Council asked SHA to defer the new framework, extend existing contracts, and hold a consultative meeting with county health departments by 12 October.