A comprehensive guide to Kenya's new Social Health Authority (SHA) system and how it affects your healthcare coverage.
Kenya's healthcare system entered a new era in 2024 with the launch of the Social Health Authority (SHA). If you've ever contributed to NHIF, or you're thinking of buying private medical insurance, here's everything you need to know about SHA and how it affects you.
SHA stands for Social Health Authority, the new government body that replaced NHIF (National Hospital Insurance Fund). It was established under the Social Health Insurance Act 2023 and aims to ensure universal access to healthcare for all Kenyans.
SHA has three separate health funds to cater to different needs:
1. Primary Healthcare Fund
Covers basic outpatient services like check-ups and minor treatments at public facilities (dispensaries, health centres).
2. Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)
Replaces the old NHIF. Covers inpatient and outpatient services at public and contracted private facilities.
3. Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund
Covers serious conditions such as ICU, cancer treatment, dialysis, and accidents.
SHA is mandatory for:
📌 Even if you had NHIF or have private insurance, you still need to register for SHA.
No. Here's what happened:
🔍 Think of NHIF as a bus that dropped you off. SHA is a brand-new train. You need a new ticket to continue the journey.
SHA uses a monthly contribution model:
Category | Monthly Contribution |
---|---|
Employed (formal) | 2.75% of gross salary (auto-deducted by employer) |
Self-employed/informal | 2.75% of declared income (pay via MPESA, bank, app) |
Unemployed | May receive government subsidy or pay a minimum set rate |
❗Missing payments may delay or limit your access to services.
Once registered and contributing, you can access care at:
Services are accessed via biometric identification (like fingerprint scanning) at the facility.
Yes, and here's why:
Feature | SHA | Private Insurance |
---|---|---|
Mandatory | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (optional but beneficial) |
Contribution Type | % of income | Fixed premium |
Type of Hospitals | Public + some contracted private | Broader, including top-tier hospitals |
Luxury/private room access | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Faster approvals/service | ❌ Slower | ✅ Faster |
Coverage for extras | ❌ Basic care only | ✅ Specialized services + global cover |
Private insurance acts as a top-up, helping you access comfort, speed, and better facilities beyond SHA's basic offering.
At Learn with Keryl, I believe that clarity builds confidence. SHA is a major shift in Kenya's healthcare journey. Whether you're considering a private cover or wondering where your NHIF contributions went, now you know where you stand and how to move forward.
Need help picking a cover that works with SHA or have more questions?
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