SHA Message To All Kenyans

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has issued an important message to Kenyans facing difficulties paying their health insurance contributions, outlining options available to those who cannot afford the required payments.

The authority says Kenyans have different financial circumstances, with some able to pay their annual contributions in full, others relying on instalment arrangements, and vulnerable households potentially qualifying for government assistance.

SHA Senior Officer for Registration and Compliance Jacqueline Ngonyo explained that the system recognises people who cannot manage even the instalment payment option known as Lipa Pole Pole.

According to Ngonyo, some households have been identified by the government as indigent because of their financial circumstances. This category includes vulnerable children, elderly people and poor households that meet the relevant identification requirements.

Formally employed Kenyans contribute to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) through monthly payroll deductions equivalent to 2.75 per cent of their gross salaries, remitted by their employers.

For self-employed people and those working in the informal sector, contributions are determined through means testing, which assesses their financial ability to pay.

SHA has also outlined healthcare options for people who cannot afford their contributions. Such Kenyans can access basic healthcare services at Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 public and mission health facilities through the Primary Health Fund.

The Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund also provides support for qualifying medical emergencies, patient stabilisation and critical or chronic illnesses, including cancer management and dialysis, according to the information provided.

Meanwhile, the national government fully subsidises contributions for verified indigent households and individuals with zero income identified through means testing. This arrangement is intended to help eligible vulnerable people maintain health coverage despite their inability to pay.

For those who can manage smaller payments, SHA has outlined a registration process for the Lipa Pole Pole arrangement.

Eligible applicants must register with SHA and complete means testing through the Afya Yangu portal. They must also meet the programme’s payment requirements and be registered with the Hustler Fund without outstanding defaults.

Applicants can begin the process by dialling *147# or *254#, selecting Option 1 for Kenyan citizens and entering their national identification numbers.

They should then select Make Payment, choose Pay for Self, select Lipa Pole Pole and proceed to the Hustler Fund option to check their available financing limit.

The programme allows eligible participants to select daily, weekly or monthly repayment schedules and authorise an M-PESA Ratiba standing order for automatic deductions.

SHA’s message comes as the authority seeks to explain how people with different financial circumstances can access healthcare. However, eligibility for government subsidies and particular benefits depends on meeting the applicable requirements.

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