Safaricom, along with its consortium partners, has enlisted Savannah Informatics to address critical failures associated with the Social Health Authority (SHA) system claims portal. This strategic partnership, announced without public review, is aimed at alleviating the mounting pressure from private healthcare facilities and adhering to President William Ruto’s directive for a timely transition to the new system.
The SHA system, designed to enhance healthcare financing across Kenya, has faced significant obstacles since its rollout. Initial evaluations conducted in Marsabit and Tharaka-Nithi counties exposed substantial system failures. Consequently, the Ministry of Health reverted to the previous National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Integrated Claims System, which was operational for a short period before hospitals were directed to manage claims manually.
In light of these challenges, Savannah Informatics, a provider of digital healthcare solutions, has been brought on board to stabilize the SHA system. This decision follows the unsuccessful attempt by Apeiro Ltd—associated with the contentious Adani Group—to deliver a functional e-claims portal. The choice of Savannah Informatics has raised concerns regarding long-term planning, cost transparency, and the future of Kenya’s healthcare reimbursement framework.
The specific financial arrangements surrounding Savannah Informatics’ involvement have not been disclosed by either the Ministry of Health or Safaricom. It remains uncertain whether their participation will surpass the already budgeted amount of Sh104.8 billion earmarked for the digital ecosystem aimed at supporting the government’s universal healthcare initiative. Savannah Informatics, established in 2013, underwent changes in ownership and directorship in 2019.
The firm’s major shareholder, Noble Venture Holdings Ltd, is comprised of three doctors and an accountant, while other stakeholders include Otic Investments Ltd, linked to Equity Group Board chairperson Isaac Macharia’s family, and the Savannah Informatics Employee Share Ownership Trust. Internal sources indicate that Savannah Informatics is to receive Sh1 billion from Safaricom as part of this partnership, although it remains unclear whether this sum is in addition to the Sh104 billion tender awarded to the consortium.
The urgency of Savannah Informatics’ engagement has been emphasized by industry leaders, including Dr. Brian Lishenga, National Chairman of the Rural-Urban Private Hospitals Association. He notes that President Ruto set a stringent deadline that necessitated the swift incorporation of Savannah Informatics following the critical failures observed during initial system tests.
