IMPORTANT Transition to the New Social
UPDATE Health Authority (SHA)
The Government has initiated the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA),
replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Under this new system, every Kenyan
household, as well as non-Kenyan residents who have lived in Kenya for over twelve
months, are required to register as members of the SHA. Individuals previously registered
under the now-phased-out NHIF will also need to re-register with the SHA.
Key Changes You Need to Know:
1. Introduction of SHA
Under SHA, Benefits will be as per the essential benefit package which shall be reviewed
every two years and paid out of the three funds as follows:
• Primary Healthcare Fund (PHC Fund)- Comprise of preventive, promotive, curative,
rehabilitative, and palliative health services provided at the level 2 and 3 healthcare
facilities.
• Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)- Comprise of integrated preventive, promotive,
curative, rehabilitative and palliative health services provided at the level 4, 5, and 6
health facilities.
• Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCF)- Addresses long-term diseases
such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.
YEARS
ANNIVERSARY
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2. New Contribution Rates
Under the SHA, contributions will be calculated at a rate of 2.75% of your income. To
help you understand the specific contribution amounts based on different salary levels,
please refer to the detailed table below.
Gross Salary (K Shs) Old Deduction (K Shs) New Deduction (K Shs)
20,000 750 550
30,000 900 825
50,000 1,200 1,375
60,000 1,300 1,650
80,000 1,500 2,200
100,000 1,700 2,750
200,000 1,700 5,500
500,000 1,700 13,750
1,000,000 & above 1,700 27,500
3. For individuals not in formal employment, contributions will be determined using a
means-testing tool, with a minimum monthly premium of K shs 300 and no maximum limit.
Payments are to be made 14 days before the end of the beneficiary's annual contribution
period.
4. Support for Vulnerable Kenyans
The Government has indicated that it will cover contributions for vulnerable Kenyans
identified through the State Department of Social Protection and these contributions will be
made by the National and County Governments.
The amount payable every month for these households shall be the base premium calculated
using statistical data and actuarial models and guided by the essential healthcare benefits
package (undefined now) payable within nine days from the date when the annual
contribution of the beneficiaries is due.
5. Foreign Nationals
Foreigners residing in Kenya for over 12 months are required to register and contribute to
SHA. Visitors staying for less than a year are required to purchase travel insurance
recognized under Kenyan insurance regulations.
6. Benefits Package
a. Chronic Illness
Under the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCF), individuals shall access:
• Emergency services, critical care services, and
• Treatment and management of chronic illnesses.
• Beneficiaries shall access the ECCF after the depletion of their benefits in the essential
healthcare benefits package under the Social Health Insurance Fund.
• Limits for the benefits covered in the SHIF before accessing the ECCF are undefined.
• The ECCF covers a specified list of conditions/interventions.
b. Overseas Treatment
The Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel shall, at the beginning of each financial year,
generate a list of healthcare services unavailable in Kenya that can be accessed outside the
country at empanelled facilities. Referrals for overseas treatment should be submitted online.
For detailed Benefits, please refer to the Ministry of Health Tariffs for the published benefits
under the Social Health Insurance Act No. 16 of 2023 below.
https://bit.ly/3BbHS1j
Registration Process
USSD:
Dial *147#
Website:
http://sha.go.ke
NHIF Offices:
You can also visit any NHIF office
or designated registration points for assistance.
