Outcry as over 100 hospitals lose Level 3 status without notice
Rupha chairman Brian Lishenga faulted KMPDC’s actions, saying it was unacceptable for the council to collect licence fees for Level 3 classifications, then alter the facility status without any form of engagement or explanation.
A row has erupted between the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (Rupha) and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) after more than 100 health facilities in Kisii and Nyamira were downgraded without notice.
In a letter dated June 30, 2025, and addressed to KMPDC Chief Executive Officer David Kariuki, Rupha protested the reclassification of the affected facilities from Kenya Essential Health Facilities (KEPH) Level 3 to Level 2, even though they had renewed their licences under the Level 3 category earlier this year.
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Level 2 hospitals mainly provide outpatient services such as treatment of common illnesses, immunisation, and basic referrals, and are often run by nurses or clinical officers.
On the other hand, Level 3 facilities, which include nursing homes and health centres, offer a wider range of medical services like maternity care, laboratory diagnostics, inpatient treatment, and minor surgeries. These also require more advanced equipment and qualified personnel.
A major concern raised by Rupha is that Level 3 facilities are eligible for both the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHCF) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), while Level 2 facilities can only receive PHCF support. PHCF, managed under the Social Health Authority, funds healthcare providers for delivering essential services and aims to improve access to affordable care.
The downgrade now threatens to limit access to SHIF support, potentially straining service delivery in rural areas.
Rupha chairman Brian Lishenga faulted KMPDC’s actions, saying it was unacceptable for the council to collect licence fees for Level 3 classifications, then alter the facility status without any form of engagement or explanation.
“It is our view that the recommended actions outlined in the checklist and risk rating framework were not followed,” he said as quoted by the Daily Nation.
He further noted that none of the affected hospitals had received inspection reports, nor had they been given an opportunity to respond to any issues raised or request a re-inspection, which is contrary to the official health inspection and risk assessment process.
Rupha also criticised the absence of an appeal process, saying this left the affected hospitals without a clear avenue to challenge the decision.
So far, KMPDC has not issued any public explanation regarding the downgrade or addressed the concerns raised by Rupha.
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