It is now mandatory for all households in Kenya to contribute towards their health cover each month, starting October 1st, 2024. Salaried public and state officers, as well as private sector employees, will contribute 2.75% of their gross salary monthly to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), under the new Social Health Authority (SHA). This contribution will be remitted by employers for their employees.
For unemployed individuals and those in the informal sector, the minimum monthly contribution to SHIF is now Ksh. 300, reduced from the previous Ksh. 500. It’s important to note that there are some exemptions to mandatory contributions, such as for children under 18 and adults over 65 who are already covered by government programs.
All beneficiaries of the previous National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and new members seeking comprehensive national health coverage must register for the new SHIF.
SHIF offers inpatient and outpatient services in accredited hospitals. The principal member and dependents must have registered for NHIF membership and selected outpatient facilities for each of the family members before accessing the services.
SHIF (SHA) Monthly Contribution Charges
Monthly Contribution Rates for the Self-Employed and Unemployed
Those in the informal sector, self-employed individuals, retirees, and voluntary participants will contribute a minimum of Ksh. 300 per month or Ksh. 3,600 per year to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
However, the final premium may be adjusted based on your ability to pay. This assessment will be conducted by the government using various tools.
See: SHA Accredited Hospitals Offering Oncology, Cancer Care Services
Individuals without employment who are deemed unable to afford the minimum contribution will be covered by the government.
The New SHIF Monthly Contribution Rates for Employees
The following table shows the new SHIF payment rates that employers will deduct from their employees’ salaries at the end of each month. The rates are based on 2.75% of an individual’s gross income. The maximum cap of Ksh. 1,700 for those earning Ksh. 100,000 or above has been scrapped.
| Employee’s Monthly Gross Income (Ksh) | SHIF Rates Per Month (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| 12,000 – 14,999 | 330 – 413 |
| 15,000 – 19,999 | 413 – 550 |
| 20,000 – 24,999 | 550 – 688 |
| 25,000 – 29,999 | 688 – 825 |
| 30,000 – 34,999 | 825 – 963 |
| 35,000 – 39,999 | 963 – 1,100 |
| 40,000 – 44,999 | 1,100 – 1,238 |
| 45,000 – 49,999 | 1,238 – 1,375 |
| 50,000 – 59,999 | 1,375 – 1,650 |
| 60,000 – 69,999 | 1,650 – 1,925 |
| 70,000 – 79,999 | 1,925 – 2,200 |
| 80,000 – 89,999 | 2,200 – 2,475 |
| 90,000 – 99,999 | 2,475 – 2,750 |
| 100,000 – 150,000 | 2,750 – 4,125 |
SHIF Penalties for Late Remittances
If the employer fails to remit the employee’s SHIF contributions by the 9th of every month, the employer will be liable to pay late payment penalties. However, this will not affect SHIF service delivery to the scheme members.
For the self-employed, failure to pay contributions by the 9th of every month will incur penalties amounting to 2% of the monthly contribution. For example, 2% of Ksh. 500 comes to Ksh. 10, which should be paid on top of the previous month’s premium.
If you are prone to consistent late monthly payments, you will be required to pay Ksh. 1,500 for account reactivation, and wait for two months thereafter before accessing SHIF treatment again, in chosen health facility.
You can find out how to pay the penalties and monthly charges here: How to pay SHIF Premiums and Penalties, view account status.
Activating SHIF Card after Default (Self-Employed)
If your SHIF card has been inactive for over 12 months due to default, you can reactivate it by paying the SHIF reactivation fee of Ksh. 1500. Note that after reactivating the card, you will have to wait for 60 days before you can use it again.
The Ksh. 1500 will enable you to start afresh and will cover three months. You will however still retain the same membership number though the card will be restricted for two months.
Read also:
How do retired civil servants who were in job L and above and are able to pay any premium membership can be catered for?
It not far to subject them to the 500 a month and yet they can still pay the 1700 and continue to enjoy the scheme they are used to in hospitals of Thier choice
How do I chack my account and whether employer has been remitting my contributions over years have worked
Hi Erastus. Download the myNHIF app and login to view premiums status.
What services can I get for outpatient/inpatients…my deductions per month is 1700 and my hospital of choice is Mama Lucy kibaki hos
Please have a look at List of NHIF Services in Kenya, NHIF Supa Cover Products and Services
Can expats get the same coverage for self-employed?
Can coverage begin in the middle of treatment or after treatment?
What are the products for food r self contributors.do they get last respect benefits
Which category do you provide for previously employed Kenyans who relocate their employment to abroad?
When will the new rates take effect and does that mean that activating NHIF card will also come down, and if so to how much?
Pls clarify. Thank you.