Level 3B Health Facilities Kenya — All 47 Counties + Nursing Homes & Dental
Level 3B health facilities in Kenya are general medical and dental clinics offering inpatient nursing home care, general outpatient services, and specialized dental treatment — positioned between Level 2 (outpatient-only clinics) and Level 3A (comprehensive centres with maternity and surgery). There are 1,185 licenced Level 3B facilities across all 47 counties, and this guide helps you find the right one for inpatient care, dental treatment, and general medical services, and understand what SHA covers at this level.
Level 3B facilities are where you go when you need inpatient care but not the full maternity, surgical, or specialist services of a Level 3A or higher facility. They handle nursing home admissions, general medical treatment, dental procedures, and basic diagnostics. Use the county list below to find Level 3B facilities near you.
⚡ Quick Answer: A Level 3B health facility is a general medical or dental clinic with nursing home (inpatient) capacity. Kenya has 1,185 licenced Level 3B facilities, the large majority privately owned (77.3%), alongside faith-based (12.7%) and public (10%) facilities. Find county-specific lists below.
Licenced Level 3B General Medical & Dental Clinics Across All 47 Counties of Kenya
Level 3B facilities are covered under both the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF) for outpatient care and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) for inpatient care. Coverage and pre-authorization requirements vary by facility and service type. Always confirm with your specific facility whether they accept SHA/SHIF payments for inpatient or dental services before admission.
What Is a Level 3B Health Facility? — Official Definition
Under Kenya’s official health facility categorisation, Level 3B facilities are general medical and dental clinics — the third level of care, positioned between outpatient-only Level 2 facilities and comprehensive Level 3A centres. A Level 3B facility:
- Provides general medical and dental services — not specialized or comprehensive, but broader than Level 2
- Has inpatient/nursing home beds — allows admission for general medical treatment and nursing care, distinguishing it from Level 2 (outpatient-only)
- Offers dental treatment capacity — many Level 3B facilities are dedicated dental or health centres with dental capability
- Lacks surgical theatre and comprehensive maternity services — unlike Level 3A, no operating theatre or full delivery capacity
- Encompasses multiple facility types — nursing homes, health centres, maternity homes (basic), and cottage hospitals, all classified as Level 3B
- Bridges primary and higher-tier care — handles inpatient cases that Level 2 cannot admit, while referring complex cases up to Level 3A or 4+
In short: if you need inpatient nursing care, dental treatment, or general medical admission (without maternity or major surgery), a Level 3B facility is your appropriate destination.
Level 3B vs Level 2 vs Level 3A — Key Differences
| Capability | Level 2 (Clinic/Dispensary) | Level 3B (General Medical/Dental) | Level 3A (Comprehensive Centre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inpatient Beds | None — outpatient only | Yes — nursing home/general ward capacity | Yes — comprehensive inpatient wards |
| Maternity Services | Antenatal only | Basic maternity homes (limited delivery) | Full maternity including C-section |
| Surgical Theatre | None | None — no major surgery | Yes — full surgical capacity |
| Dental Services | Basic dental check-up only | Full dental treatment & procedures | Comprehensive, may include dental |
| Typical Patient Journey | First point of contact for acute/routine care | Referred from Level 2 for inpatient/dental care | Referred for maternity, surgery, or complex cases |
What Types of Level 3B Facilities Exist in Kenya?
Level 3B encompasses several distinct facility types, each licenced separately. Based on Kenya’s 1,185 licenced Level 3B facilities, here is the breakdown:
Nursing Homes — 757 facilities
Facilities specializing in residential nursing care with inpatient beds for general medical patients. The largest Level 3B category, mostly privately owned.
Health Centres — 380 facilities
General medical clinics with inpatient and outpatient capacity, offering comprehensive ambulatory services. Often public or faith-based.
Maternity Homes — 31 facilities
Facilities specializing in basic maternity services and delivery care, with limited inpatient capacity. Less comprehensive than Level 3A.
Cottage Hospitals — 17 facilities
Small hospital-style facilities with inpatient beds, operating primarily as general medical centres without major surgical or maternal services.
Dental Clinics (Level 3B) — Limited
Specialized dental facilities with inpatient capacity for minor dental procedures. Fewer than Level 2 dental clinics.
Other Facility Types — Varies
Includes specialized nursing and rehabilitation centres, some with basic health or dental services integrated.
By ownership, Level 3B facilities in Kenya are predominantly private (916 facilities — 77.3%), with faith-based organizations (151 — 12.7%) and public facilities (118 — 10%) making up the rest. Private nursing homes dominate the market, reflecting Kenya’s reliance on private inpatient care capacity.
Level 3B vs Level 2 vs Level 3A vs Level 4+ — When Should You Go Where?
| Facility Level | Key Services | When to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 — Clinic / Dispensary | Basic outpatient: consultation, diagnosis, minor treatment, basic labs. No admission. | Routine illness, check-up, minor dental care. Your first stop for most acute care. |
| Level 3B — General Medical / Nursing Home / Dental (Current page) | Inpatient nursing care, general medical treatment, dental services. No surgery, limited maternity. | When you need admission (not maternity/surgery), dental procedures, or nursing home care. |
| Level 3A — Comprehensive Health Centre | Full maternity, surgical theatre, comprehensive inpatient care. No specialist services. | Delivery, surgery, complex inpatient cases, or Level 3B refers you up. |
| Level 4–6 — Hospitals & Specialist Centres | Complex surgery, specialist services, ICU, emergency care, teaching/research capacity. | Complications, specialist diagnosis, trauma/emergencies, complex conditions. |
Quick rule: Start at Level 2 for everyday care. If you need inpatient nursing care or dental procedures, Level 3B is appropriate. If pregnant or needing surgery, go to Level 3A. If complications, go to Level 4+.
SHA Coverage at Level 3B Facilities — What’s Covered and How It Works
Level 3B facilities are covered under two SHA funding streams: the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF) for outpatient care, and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) for inpatient care. Here is what applies at Level 3B:
Level 3B PHF + SHIF Coverage Breakdown
Important: Not every private Level 3B facility participates in SHIF reporting. Always confirm with the specific facility whether they accept SHA payments for the specific service you need (inpatient, dental, nursing home) and whether pre-authorization is required.
Need to verify your SHA account? Log into Afya Yangu portal to check your registration status, contributions, and coverage details. If you cannot log in, read our phone number change guide for help. For SHA inquiries, call 0800 720 601 (Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm).
Find Level 3B Health Facilities in Your County
Kenya has 1,185 Level 3B general medical and dental clinics across all 47 counties. Click your county below to see all Level 3B facilities — nursing homes, health centres, dental clinics — in your area. These county pages include facility names, addresses, ownership type, inpatient capacity, and SHA/SHIF participation status.
Level 3B Facilities by County — All 47 Counties
Each county page includes: Facility names, type (nursing home, health centre, dental clinic, etc.), addresses, ownership (public/private/faith-based), inpatient capacity where applicable, and SHA/SHIF participation status. Call ahead to confirm current services and SHA acceptance before visiting.
Counties With the Most Level 3B Health Facilities in Kenya
Level 3B facility density varies significantly by county, generally tracking population size, urbanization, and private healthcare investment. The five counties with the most Level 3B facilities are:
- Nairobi — 218 facilities — by far the highest concentration nationally, reflecting the capital’s population density and the large number of private nursing homes and dental clinics.
- Mandera — 76 facilities — the second-highest count, reflecting healthcare demand in the region and private nursing home expansion.
- Nakuru — 64 facilities — the third-highest, driven by urbanization and growing private healthcare capacity in the Rift Valley.
- Kiambu — 62 facilities — proximity to Nairobi and rapid urban growth supporting private clinic expansion.
- Kirinyaga — 45 facilities — the highest count in the Mt. Kenya region, supported by healthcare demand and private investment.
At the other end, counties such as Lamu (1 facility), Bomet & Elgeyo/Marakwet (2 each), Baringo & Tharaka Nithi (4 each), and Nandi & Nyandarua & Samburu (5 each) have far fewer Level 3B facilities, consistent with lower population density and historically underinvested regions.
Frequently Asked Questions — Level 3B Health Facilities Kenya
What is the difference between Level 3B and Level 2?
Level 2 is outpatient-only with no beds or admission capacity. Level 3B has inpatient/nursing home beds, allowing admission for general medical treatment and nursing care. Level 3B also offers full dental services, while Level 2 has only basic dental.
What is the difference between Level 3B and Level 3A?
Level 3B lacks surgical theatre and comprehensive maternity services. Level 3A has both maternity delivery (including C-section) and surgical theatre capacity. If you need surgery or delivery, go to Level 3A; if you need nursing home or dental care, Level 3B is appropriate.
Can I have dental treatment at a Level 3B facility?
Yes. Many Level 3B facilities are dedicated dental clinics or health centres offering full dental services. Confirm the specific facility’s dental capacity before booking.
How much does inpatient care at Level 3B cost under SHA?
KES 2,400 per day for inpatient nursing home or health centre admission. This covers accommodation, meals, nursing care, investigations, and medication. Limit: up to 50 days per household per year under SHIF coverage.
What is included in the KES 2,400 per day inpatient tariff?
Hospital/nursing home accommodation, meals, nursing care, general ward bed, laboratory investigations, basic imaging, medications, and post-discharge follow-up within the treatment plan. Specialist services or extended stays beyond 50 days require additional authorization.
Do I need pre-authorization for inpatient admission to Level 3B?
For most general medical inpatient stays under SHIF, pre-authorization is not always required, but it’s best to confirm with the facility and SHA before admission to ensure coverage. For extended stays beyond 50 days, pre-authorization is likely needed.
How many Level 3B health facilities are there in Kenya?
There are 1,185 licenced Level 3B general medical and dental clinics across all 47 counties. Nursing homes make up the largest share at 757 facilities, followed by health centres (380), maternity homes (31), and cottage hospitals (17).
Are most Level 3B facilities in Kenya public or private?
Most are private. Of the 1,185 licenced Level 3B facilities, 916 are privately owned (77.3%), 151 are faith-based organizations (12.7%), and 118 are public (10%). Private nursing homes dominate.
What if a Level 3B facility can’t manage my condition?
You will be referred to a Level 3A facility (if you need maternity or surgery), Level 4, 5, or 6 facility (for complex cases or specialist services). This referral pathway is a normal part of the health system.
Do all private Level 3B facilities accept SHA/SHIF payments?
No. Some private facilities participate in SHIF, but not all. Always confirm in advance that the specific facility accepts SHA for the service you need (inpatient, dental, nursing home), as this affects your out-of-pocket costs.
Which county has the most Level 3B facilities?
Nairobi County has the most, with 218 licenced Level 3B facilities — over 18% of the national total. Mandera (76) and Nakuru (64) follow as the next highest.
What if my county has very few Level 3B facilities?
Counties like Lamu, Bomet, and Elgeyo/Marakwet have very few Level 3B facilities due to low population density. In such areas, you may need to travel to the nearest major town or county capital for inpatient or specialized nursing home care.
What to Do Next — Finding and Visiting a Level 3B Facility
Use the county list above to see all licenced Level 3B general medical and dental clinics near you, with facility names, addresses, and basic details.
Call the facility to confirm they offer the specific service you need (inpatient nursing care, dental treatment) and their current inpatient bed availability.
Ask whether they accept SHA/SHIF payments for inpatient or dental care, and whether pre-authorization is required for your specific case.
Log into Afya Yangu portal and verify your account is active and contributions are up to date before admission.
At admission, the facility will verify your registration and coverage status. Keep your membership confirmation letter handy.
Confirm what happens if your condition worsens or requires services beyond Level 3B — does the facility stabilize and transfer, or do they refer directly? Have a reference Level 3A or 4 facility identified.
Disclaimer: This page is an informational guide only and does not constitute medical advice or healthcare recommendations. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions and admission options. MyCyber is not affiliated with the Social Health Authority (SHA), the Ministry of Health, or the Government of Kenya. Facility data (names, addresses, ownership, type) is based on official Kenya health facility licensing records. SHA/SHIF coverage figures are based on the Social Health Insurance Act 2023, the Primary Healthcare Act 2023, and the published SHA Benefits Package. Coverage rates, facility capacity, services, and accreditation status may change — always call ahead or contact SHA (0800 720 601) to verify current information before booking or admission. For SHA inquiries, contact 0800 720 601 (Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm Kenya time).
