Liaison Group and RUPHA Announce Strategic Partnership to Transform Private Healthcare and Strengthen Kenya’s UHC Agenda

Liaison Group, a leading non-banking financial services organisation and the Rural Urban Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA) have announced the rollout of the RUPHA 360, a pioneering and comprehensive transformation framework aimed at strengthening private healthcare providers and positioning them as central partners in advancing Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

The RUPHA 360 model is built around four integrated components: The first one is on financial discipline and sustainability, ensuring that facilities adopt structured financial planning, transparent cost management, and strong risk-control mechanisms. Statistics indicate that Kenya’s informal sector comprises 83.3% of the population, with only 2% of employees having national hospital insurance and 20% having public health insurance.

The second is technology-driven efficiency, which recognises that modern healthcare delivery depends on digital readiness and data-driven decision-making. RUPHA 360 supports facilities to adopt innovative digital tools such as automated claims systems, patient data platforms, analytics dashboards, and streamlined reporting systems to enhance operational accuracy, and create a seamless experience for both providers and patients.

The third pillar is alignment with national Universal Health Coverage (UHC) priorities. As Kenya continues to implement sweeping health reforms, private providers must adapt to evolving regulations, standards, and reporting requirements. RUPHA 360 helps facilities harmonise their operations with national policy directions by providing guidance on compliance, quality standards, and service delivery models.

The final component is operational strengthening and capacity building which recognizes that people and systems are at the heart of quality healthcare. The model offers continuous training, leadership development, institutional support to healthcare teams to build stronger governance structures and equip teams with the competencies required to run efficient, high-performing institutions.

Speaking during the announcement, Liaison Group Managing Director, Tom Mulwa emphasised that the partnership marks a new era for private sector participation in health systems by providing sector players with the tools, structures, and support they need to operate efficiently, remain financially stable, and contribute meaningfully to national UHC goals.

“For many private healthcare providers, sustainability is as critical as service delivery. Through RUPHA 360, we are introducing a new level of financial discipline, digital capability, and operational efficiency that will enable facilities to deliver consistent, high- quality care. Our partnership is a testament to our belief in private providers as indispensable pillars of Kenya’s health system,” Mr. Mulwa noted.

The RUPHA 360 Model also comes at a critical moment for Kenya’s healthcare ecosystem, where underinsurance among private hospital players has remained a persistent challenge especially for small and medium-sized providers who continue to struggle with inadequate insurance coverage, limited financial buffers, and fragmented risk management practices that expose them to operational vulnerabilities.

On his part, RUPHA Chairman Dr. Brian Lishenga said: “For Kenya to achieve Universal Health Coverage, both public and private providers must move forward together. RUPHA 360 is our commitment to ensuring private facilities are not only aligned with national priorities but are also equipped with modern systems, digital tools, and financial resilience. This is how we drive equitable, high-quality healthcare for every Kenyan.”

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