Kericho County, located in Kenya’s Rift Valley region, is renowned for its tea plantations and a population of approximately 900,000 (2019 census). The Social Health Authority (SHA), launched in October 2024 to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), has revolutionized healthcare access by contracting private, public, and faith-based facilities under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). This aligns with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative, ensuring affordable and quality medical services. In Kericho, private hospitals are vital for addressing healthcare needs in urban centers like Kericho Town and Litein, and rural areas like Chepseon and Sosiot. This guide lists all 83 SHA-licensed private hospitals and medical facilities in Kericho, detailing their levels, services, and significance in the county’s healthcare landscape.
The Role of SHA in Kericho’s Healthcare System
The Social Health Authority (SHA) is Kenya’s national healthcare program, designed to provide equitable access to quality medical services through SHIF funding. By contracting diverse facilities, SHA reduces out-of-pocket expenses for patients. In Kericho, where public facilities like Kericho County Referral Hospital face challenges such as overcrowding and limited specialized services, private hospitals offer:
- Specialized care: Including dental, eye, maternity, and surgical services.
- Accessibility: Facilities in both urban and rural areas cater to diverse populations.
- Quality services: Private hospitals provide faster consultations and advanced equipment.
- SHA coverage: SHIF funding makes private care affordable for registered members.
All facilities listed are licensed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) as of June 7, 2024, and comply with SHA standards.
Why Private Hospitals Are Essential in Kericho
Kericho’s healthcare demands are driven by its agricultural economy, growing population, and prevalence of diseases like malaria and respiratory infections. Private hospitals address these challenges by:
- Supplementing public services: Reducing strain on public facilities like Kericho County Referral Hospital.
- Offering specialized care: Dental clinics like Pearl White Dental Ltd and eye hospitals like Afya Point Medicare Ltd – Annex provide niche services.
- Improving rural access: Facilities like Chepseon Medicare Clinic serve remote areas.
- Providing emergency care: Level 4 and 5 hospitals like St. Leonard’s Hospital and Siloam Hospital Ltd offer comprehensive services.
Below is a detailed table of all 83 SHA-licensed private hospitals and medical facilities in Kericho, followed by insights into their services and impact.
Full List of SHA-Licensed Private Hospitals in Kericho
The following table lists all 83 SHA-licensed private healthcare facilities in Kericho County, categorized by facility type, level, and services. Facility levels range from Level 2 (basic clinics and dispensaries) to Level 5 (advanced hospitals with specialized care).
No. | Facility Name | Type | Level | Location | Services |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
999 | St. Leonard’s Hospital | Hospital | 4 | Kericho Town | Surgery, maternity, diagnostics |
1000 | Sann Medical Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, minor treatments |
1001 | Ndubusat Bethel Medical Clinic | Health Centre | 3B | Kericho | Inpatient care, maternity, diagnostics |
1002 | Arroket Estate Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Arroket | Outpatient care, basic consultations |
1003 | Kenya Tea Packers Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, staff healthcare |
1004 | Chebitet Health Centre | Health Centre | 3B | Chebitet | Inpatient care, maternity, diagnostics |
1005 | Simotwei Dispensary | Medical Clinic | 2 | Simotwei | Basic healthcare, consultations |
1006 | Engineering Dispensary | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, minor treatments |
1007 | Fig Tree Health Options | Health Centre | 3B | Kericho | Maternity, diagnostics, outpatient care |
1008 | Cheptabes Dispensary | Medical Clinic | 2 | Cheptabes | Basic healthcare, consultations |
1009 | Kipketer Dispensary | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kipketer | General consultations, minor treatments |
1010 | Kapsongoi Dispensary | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kapsongoi | Outpatient care, basic diagnostics |
1011 | Tenduet Dispensary | Medical Clinic | 2 | Tenduet | General consultations, minor treatments |
1012 | Chemase Dispensary | Medical Clinic | 2 | Chemase | Basic healthcare, consultations |
1013 | Kaproret Dispensary | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kaproret | General consultations, minor treatments |
1014 | Marinyin Dispensary | Medical Clinic | 2 | Marinyin | Outpatient care, basic consultations |
1015 | Lipton Central Hospital | Hospital | 4 | Kericho | Surgery, maternity, diagnostics |
1016 | Afya Point Medicare Limited | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, diagnostics |
1017 | Kericho Medical Clinic | Medical Centre | 3A | Kericho Town | Outpatient care, diagnostics |
1018 | The Aga Khan Hospital Kericho | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, diagnostics |
1019 | Kericho Outpatient Medical Centre | Medical Centre | 3A | Kericho Town | Outpatient care, diagnostics |
1020 | Sosiot Medical Centre | Health Centre | 3B | Sosiot | Inpatient care, maternity, diagnostics |
1021 | Fig Tree Health Options Kericho Ltd | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, minor treatments |
1022 | Kapchanga Medical Centre | Medical Centre | 3A | Kapchanga | Outpatient care, diagnostics |
1023 | Kalyet Clinic Kipkelion | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kipkelion | General consultations, minor treatments |
1024 | Kapsoit Hills Medical Centre | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kapsoit | Outpatient care, basic consultations |
1025 | St Gabriel Hospital Limited | Hospital | 4 | Kericho | Surgery, maternity, diagnostics |
1026 | Bliss Healthcare Limited Kericho | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, diagnostics |
1027 | Kericho Womens Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Reproductive health, consultations |
1028 | St Annes Catholic Dispensary | Dispensary | 2 | Kericho | Basic healthcare, vaccinations |
1029 | Litein Dental Clinic | Dental Clinic | 2 | Litein | Dental treatments, consultations |
1030 | Medihealth Investment Group Ltd | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, diagnostics |
1031 | Straight Smile Dental Ltd | Dental Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Dental treatments, consultations |
1032 | Roret Medical Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Roret | General consultations, minor treatments |
1033 | Scanhealth Limited | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Diagnostic imaging, consultations |
1034 | Pearl White Dental Ltd Kericho | Dental Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Dental treatments, consultations |
1035 | Siloam Hospital Limited | Hospital | 5 | Kericho Town | Advanced diagnostics, specialized care |
1036 | Luminous Hillmed Ltd | Medical Centre | 3A | Kericho | Outpatient care, diagnostics |
1037 | Jagoror Medical Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, minor treatments |
1038 | Relsun Medical Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Outpatient care, basic consultations |
1039 | Greenview Nursing Home | Hospital | 4 | Kericho | Surgery, maternity, diagnostics |
1040 | Fig Tree Dental Options Ltd | Dental Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Dental treatments, consultations |
1041 | Chepseon Medicare Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Chepseon | General consultations, minor treatments |
1042 | Oracle Healthcare Limited | Medical Centre | 3A | Kericho | Diagnostics, outpatient care |
1043 | Kipsinende Medical Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kipsinende | General consultations, minor treatments |
1044 | Sanro Community Based Nursing Home | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Inpatient care, community healthcare |
1045 | Medistar Annex Kericho Limited | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, diagnostics |
1046 | Jovied Medical Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Outpatient care, minor treatments |
1047 | Koryline Medical Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, diagnostics |
1048 | Chepseon Health Services | Medical Clinic | 2 | Chepseon | Outpatient care, consultations |
1049 | Phinal Medicare Centre | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, minor treatments |
1050 | Rophan Medical Clinic and Laboratory Services | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Laboratory services, consultations |
1051 | Bureti Healthcare Consulting Ltd | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, diagnostics |
1052 | Awe Medical Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Outpatient care, minor treatments |
1053 | Eldoret Hospital-Kericho Branch | Cottage Hospital | 3B | Kericho | Inpatient care, maternity, diagnostics |
1054 | Sondu Bahati Medical Center | Medical Clinic | 2 | Sondu | General consultations, minor treatments |
1055 | Jumkino Medical Center | Medical Centre | 3A | Kericho | Diagnostics, outpatient care |
1056 | Medistar Hospital Kericho Limited | Hospital | 4 | Kericho | Surgery, maternity, diagnostics |
1057 | The Gynocare Premier Clinic Kericho | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Reproductive health, consultations |
1058 | Kipkorir Mathew Sang Kabianga Hospital-Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kabianga | General consultations, minor treatments |
1059 | Medkim Care Centre | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Outpatient care, diagnostics |
1060 | Annex Tulwapmoi Healthcare | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, minor treatments |
1061 | Patsam Pharmcare Medical Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Pharmacy services, consultations |
1062 | Embassy Mendicare Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, diagnostics |
1063 | Colnev Medcare Limited | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Outpatient care, minor treatments |
1064 | Kenegut Medical and Dental Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kenegut | Dental and medical consultations |
1065 | Southrift Hospital Limited | Hospital | 5 | Kericho | Advanced diagnostics, specialized care |
1066 | Jibu Healthcare Ltd | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, diagnostics |
1067 | Kipsolu Medical Center | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kipsolu | Outpatient care, minor treatments |
1068 | Ainamoi Health Clinic Limited | Medical Clinic | 2 | Ainamoi | General consultations, diagnostics |
1069 | Elephant Dental Kericho Branch | Dental Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Dental treatments, consultations |
1070 | Tulwap Kipsigis Medical Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Tulwap | General consultations, minor treatments |
1071 | Lapkeyet Betalife Medical Limited | Medical Centre | 3A | Kericho | Diagnostics, outpatient care |
1072 | Lipton Central Hospital-Jamii Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, diagnostics |
1073 | Lipton Central Hospital-Kimugu Centre | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Outpatient care, minor treatments |
1074 | Kaplaba Community Medical Services | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kaplaba | Community healthcare, consultations |
1075 | Carehills Medical Centre | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | General consultations, diagnostics |
1076 | Psalms Highway Healthcare | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Outpatient care, minor treatments |
1077 | Delight Dental Limited-Kericho | Dental Clinic | 2 | Kericho | Dental treatments, consultations |
1078 | Chelal Smart Medical Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Chelal | General consultations, minor treatments |
1079 | Elsa Medical Centre Limited | Nursing Home | 3B | Kericho | Inpatient care, maternity, diagnostics |
1080 | Kipsitet Medicare Clinic | Medical Clinic | 2 | Kipsitet | General consultations, minor treatments |
1081 | Afya Point Medicare Limited – Annex | Eye Hospital | 4 | Kericho | Eye care, diagnostics |
Source: Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), 2024.
Understanding Hospital Levels in Kenya
Kenya’s healthcare facilities are classified into levels based on their capacity and services:
- Level 2: Dispensaries and clinics offering basic outpatient care, vaccinations, and minor treatments.
- Level 3A: Medical centres with enhanced diagnostic capabilities and outpatient services.
- Level 3B: Health centres and nursing homes providing inpatient care, maternity, and minor surgeries.
- Level 4: Hospitals with inpatient and outpatient services, surgical capabilities, and specialized care.
- Level 5: Advanced hospitals with comprehensive diagnostics, specialized treatments, and intensive care.
In Kericho, Siloam Hospital Limited and Southrift Hospital Limited (Level 5) are the most advanced, while Level 2 clinics like Sann Medical Clinic focus on primary care.
Key Services Offered by SHA-Licensed Private Hospitals in Kericho
SHA-licensed private hospitals in Kericho provide a wide range of services, tailored to urban and rural needs:
- General Consultations: Available at all facilities for diagnosing common ailments.
- Maternity Services: Offered by Level 3B and higher facilities like Ndubusat Bethel Medical Clinic and Greenview Nursing Home.
- Surgical Operations: Available at Level 4 and 5 hospitals like St. Leonard’s Hospital and Medistar Hospital Kericho Limited.
- Dental Care: Clinics like Litein Dental Clinic and Elephant Dental Kericho Branch provide specialized dental services.
- Eye Care: Afya Point Medicare Limited – Annex offers advanced eye care services.
- Diagnostics: Laboratory, ultrasound, and imaging services at facilities like Scanhealth Limited and Oracle Healthcare Limited.
- Reproductive Health: Kericho Womens Clinic and The Gynocare Premier Clinic focus on women’s health.
- Community Healthcare: Facilities like Kaplaba Community Medical Services address rural needs.
How to Access SHA Services in Kericho
To utilize SHA services at these private hospitals, follow these steps:
- Register with SHA: Mandatory for all Kenyan citizens and residents. Register at sha.go.ke or a Huduma Centre.
- Verify Facility Accreditation: Confirm the facility is SHA-licensed via the KMPDC list or SHA’s website.
- Check Service Coverage: SHA fully covers basic and emergency services, but specialized treatments may require co-payments.
- Visit the Facility: Present your SHA registration details to access SHIF-funded services.
For advanced treatments like specialized surgeries or eye care, contact facilities like Siloam Hospital Limited or Afya Point Medicare Limited – Annex to confirm SHA coverage.
Challenges and Opportunities in Kericho’s Private Healthcare Sector
Challenges
- Rural Access: Areas like Chepseon and Kipsitet have fewer advanced facilities, increasing travel times for residents.
- Cost Barriers: Specialized services may involve co-payments, limiting access for low-income households.
- Staffing Shortages: Some facilities face challenges in recruiting specialized medical personnel.
Opportunities
- Urban Growth: Kericho Town’s development supports the expansion of private healthcare.
- Specialized Services: Dental, eye, and maternity clinics meet growing demand for niche care.
- SHA Integration: SHIF funding enhances affordability, encouraging more residents to seek private care.
Tips for Choosing a Private Hospital in Kericho
When selecting a SHA-licensed private hospital in Kericho, consider:
- Service Needs: Match your medical requirements (e.g., maternity, dental, or surgical) to the facility’s offerings.
- Location: Urban facilities in Kericho Town are more accessible than rural ones like Chepseon.
- SHA Coverage: Confirm the extent of SHIF coverage to minimize costs.
- Reputation: Check reviews on platforms like hosi.co.ke for patient feedback.
- Facility Level: Higher-level hospitals (Level 4 and 5) offer more comprehensive services.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has transformed Kericho’s healthcare landscape by integrating 83 private hospitals and medical facilities into its network, ensuring quality and affordable care for residents. From advanced hospitals like Siloam Hospital Limited to community-focused clinics like Kaplaba Community Medical Services, these facilities cater to diverse medical needs across urban and rural areas. By registering with SHA and choosing a licensed facility, Kericho residents can access high-quality healthcare with reduced financial burdens. For the latest updates on SHA services, visit sha.go.ke or contact a Huduma Centre.