The Social Health Authority replaced NHIF in 2024. Here's what it means for you, how to register, and what employers are required to do.
In October 2023, Kenya enacted the Social Health Insurance Act, and from October 2024, the Social Health Authority (SHA) officially replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). If you haven't re-registered, your old NHIF membership no longer provides active cover.
SHA operates three funds:
Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF): The primary fund covering inpatient and outpatient care at accredited facilities. This replaces NHIF cover.
Primary Healthcare Fund: Covers community health services at primary health units and dispensaries.
Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF): Covers emergency treatment, chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc.), and critical care.
All Kenyan citizens and residents are required to register. There is no opt-out.
Employees contribute 2.75% of gross salary, deducted and remitted by employers. For self-employed and informal sector workers, contributions are income-based — the Kenya Kwanza government committed to catering for those in the informal sector and the indigent through the government's contribution.
1. Visit sha.go.ke or use the SHA app 2. Create an account using your national ID 3. Your existing NHIF registration is not automatically transferred — you must re-register 4. Link your SHA account to a primary healthcare facility 5. Pay contributions through M-Pesa, bank transfer, or salary deduction
Employers are required to: - Register all employees for SHA - Deduct 2.75% of gross salary monthly - Remit contributions to SHA by the 9th of the following month - File monthly returns through the SHA employer portal
Failure to remit contributions on time attracts a penalty of 2% of the outstanding amount per month.
SHA operates through accredited facilities. Check sha.go.ke for the list of accredited hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Present your SHA ID or use the SHA mobile app at the facility. Claims are processed directly between SHA and the facility — you don't pay upfront for covered services.
If you're building HR or payroll software for Kenyan businesses and need to integrate SHA contribution calculations and remittance, Mycrea builds these integrations.
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