• By Raymond Momanyi

Understanding the 6 Levels of Hospitals in Kenya (2025 Guide): What They Offer, SHA/SHIF Acceptance & Why Private Insurance Still Matters

Kenya’s healthcare system is built like a staircase — each level designed to catch you before life throws you too deep into the storm. Whether you're dealing with a simple flu or a medical emergency that flips your world upside down, knowing where to go, what to expect, and what SHA/SHIF actually covers can save you time, stress, and money.

Let’s break down the 6 official hospital levels in Kenya, what services they offer, who accepts SHA/SHIF, and why private medical insurance (like what we help you compare at Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd) is still your best shield when life hits you unprepared.

Level 1 – Community Health Services

Community health units, CHVs, and local outreach teams form the first touchpoint of Kenya’s health system.

What They Offer

• Health education & awareness
• Nutrition support
• Home-based care
• Immunization outreach
• Basic referrals

Do They Accept SHA/SHIF?

No. These units don’t bill patients — they offer preventive community care.

Level 2 – Dispensaries & Clinics

This is where most Kenyans first go when something feels “off.”

Services Offered

• General outpatient treatment
• Basic lab tests
• Wound dressing
• Family planning
• Antenatal checks

SHA/SHIF Acceptance

✔ Many do — but only if accredited.
Private clinics vary widely.

Level 3 – Health Centres

Think of them as dispensaries with more muscle and more services.

Services Offered

• Outpatient + small inpatient ward
• Normal delivery & maternity care
• Advanced lab tests
• Pharmacy services
• Minor emergencies

SHA/SHIF Acceptance

✔ Yes — most Level 3 centres accept SHA/SHIF.

Level 4 – Sub-County Hospitals (Primary Hospitals)

Now we’re stepping into full hospital territory.

Services Offered

• Full outpatient & inpatient
• Surgery (minor and medium procedures)
• Maternity & theatre
• X-ray & ultrasound
• Emergency services
• Specialist clinics (depending on facility)

SHA/SHIF Acceptance

✔ Widely accepted in government hospitals
 ✔ Many mission hospitals
 ➖ Private Level 4 hospitals vary

Level 5 – County Referral Hospitals

These are the big county hospitals with specialists and advanced treatment.

Services Offered

• Specialist doctors (ENT, ortho, gynae, paeds)
• Intensive care (ICU/HDU in most)
• Major surgeries
• Advanced labs & imaging
• Emergency ambulance support

SHA/SHIF Acceptance

✔ Yes for public Level 5s
 ➖ Private Level 5s may require co-payment

Level 6 – National Referral Hospitals

The summit — where the most complex cases go.

Examples: KNH, MTRH, KUTRRH, Moi Teaching & Referral, some major regional referral centres.

Services Offered

• Complex surgeries (cardiac, neuro, transplants)
• Cancer treatment
• Renal & dialysis
• Intensive care & trauma
• Emergency medicine
• Specialized chronic disease clinics

SHA/SHIF Acceptance

✔ Yes — but coverage may not be 100% for complex procedures.
 Some services may require private insurance or out-of-pocket balance.

So… Do All Hospitals Accept SHA/SHIF?

No — only accredited hospitals.

Here’s the breakdown:
 ✔ Government hospitals — almost all accept SHIF
 ✔ Mission & faith-based — majority accept
 ✔ Private hospitals — acceptance varies by facility and service type

ALWAYS confirm accreditation before treatment, especially in private facilities.

Why You Still Need Private Medical Insurance

SHA/SHIF is helpful, but it was never designed to fully replace private medical insurance. It falls short on:

• Private hospital admissions
• Maternity in high-end hospitals
• Specialized surgeries
• ICU/HDU
• Cancer treatment in private centres
• Overseas treatment
• High-cost chronic conditions

That’s where private insurance saves the day — faster access, smoother approvals, nationwide and international coverage, and wider hospital choices.

Need Help Choosing the Right Medical Cover? Talk to Imana Insurance.

If you're unsure which insurer, which limits, or which hospital panel works best for your lifestyle, Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd is your plug.

We help you:

• Compare medical insurance plans across all major insurers
• Understand SHA vs private insurance
• Choose maternity-friendly options
• Find family, SME, or corporate plans
• Buy medical insurance online with ease
• Ask questions you never knew mattered

Helpful links:

• https://imana.co.ke/insurance/imana-health
  
  
• https://imana.co.ke/insurance/health-insurance
  
  
• https://imana.co.ke/contact-us
  
  

With a trusted intermediary like Imana, you move with clarity — not confusion.

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