The Social Health Authority (SHA) has detailed alternatives for Kenyans who struggle to pay their Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) contributions, including instalment payments and government support for those unable to afford the premiums.

SHA Senior Officer for Registration and Compliance Jacqueline Ngonyo explained that households have different levels of ability to pay, with some able to afford annual premiums while others rely on the Lipa Pole Pole plan to spread payments over time.

Those unable to afford even the instalments may qualify as indigents, a category that includes elderly people, vulnerable children and poor households identified by the government. “Those in the informal sector, we have those who are able to comfortably afford their annual premiums and pay to SHA. We have those who are not able to afford that lump sum payment, and they enrol in certain products such as the Lipa Pole Pole, but then we have those who cannot even manage the Lipa Pole Pole, and they have been clearly identified by the government as indigents,” Ngonyo stated.

She explained that formally employed Kenyans contribute 2.75 per cent of their gross salaries through monthly payroll deductions remitted by their employers.

However, informal sector workers and self-employed Kenyans have their contributions determined through means testing, which assesses their income and ability to pay. She added that these households cannot afford SHIF premiums without assistance, appealing to Kenyans to sponsor vulnerable people so they can access healthcare services under the scheme. Normally, Kenyans unable to afford SHA premiums completely, including the Lipa Pole Pole tier, can access free basic healthcare at Level 1, 2 and 3 public and mission facilities through the Primary Health Fund (PHF), including Community Health Promoters.

The Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF) also covers medical emergencies, patient stabilisation and critical or chronic illnesses, including cancer management and dialysis, without requiring active contributions.

Meanwhile, the national government fully subsidises SHA contributions for verified indigent households and individuals with zero income identified through means testing, allowing vulnerable Kenyans to maintain health cover without out-of-pocket payments.

How to Register for SHA Lipa Pole Pole

On the other hand, applicants who qualify for Lipa Pole Pole must register with SHA, complete means testing through the Afya Yangu portal, and meet the payment requirements.

They must also be registered with the Hustler Fund, have no outstanding defaults, and either pay the first four months upfront or clear existing arrears to activate cover.

To enrol, eligible Kenyans can dial *147# or *254# on their mobile phones, select Option 1 for Kenyan citizens, and enter their national identification numbers.

Applicants can select daily, weekly, or monthly repayment schedules and authorize an M-PESA Ratiba standing order to automate deductions, helping them manage contributions with smaller payments.

Premiums depend on means testing, while the provided guidance cites rates starting around Ksh300 monthly, with interest of 8 per cent annually for timely payments and 9.5 per cent after a missed 30-day cycle, which can automatically deactivate cover.