The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH,N) has today signed a partnership agreement with the Social Health Authority (SHA), paving the way for eligible Kenyans to access advanced medical procedures—specifically kidney transplants and heart surgeries—under Kenya's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, with no out-of-pocket costs.
The agreement was signed during an official ceremony at Aga Khan University's Nairobi campus, by Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon Aden Duale, EGH and Rashid Khalani, AKUH,N's CEO, and witnessed by Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, AKU President and Vice Chancellor.
Under the agreement, SHA will vet, assess and approve patients for specialised treatment in collaboration with the hospital. Once approved, each case will be fully covered up to KES 700,000 (approximately USD $5,450), which includes the surgery and necessary post-operative care as per SHA's national care package. SHA has committed to maintaining transparency in patient selection and to ensure timely communication with the hospital for seamless service delivery.
On its part, AKUH,N will provide high-quality surgical and post-surgical care to all approved patients, in accordance with national clinical standards and protocols. The hospital will also maintain detailed patient records, submit timely invoices in line with SHA's financial and reporting requirements, and ensure follow-up care and aftercare as needed. Additionally, AKUH,N will share regular progress and outcomes reports with SHA, including treatment statistics and procedural data.
“This partnership directly supports our commitment to Universal Health Coverage by making advanced medical care available to all Kenyans, regardless of their economic status," said Hon Aden Duale, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Health. “By partnering with reputable institutions like Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi and leveraging mechanisms such as the Patient Welfare Programme, we are accelerating access to life-saving care for vulnerable citizens across the country."
The partnership will also be strengthened by AKUH,N's annual revolving Patient Welfare Programme, which provides financial support for patients who would otherwise be unable to afford specialised care. The initiative reflects the Hospital's longstanding commitment to equitable health access and social responsibility.
“We are honoured to work with the Social Health Authority in this national effort to expand access to life-saving surgeries," said Rashid Khalani, AKUH,N CEO. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to giving back to society by delivering care to those most in need, while upholding world-class medical standards. Our facilities, technology, and highly trained specialists are aligned to ensure every patient receives quality treatment with dignity."
The Social Health Authority, established under the Social Health Insurance Act, is the government body mandated to implement UHC through a mandatory national insurance scheme. This agreement signals a bold new direction for Kenya's health care landscape—where public-private partnerships are instrumental in achieving equity, quality, and access in health care.
