The Social Health Authority CEO Mercy Mwangangi/FILE
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has directed non-salaried households and informal sector workers to register for the government health insurance programme, warning that late payment of contributions will attract a two per cent penalty.
In a notice dated July 31, SHA said all residents, including farmers, traders, boda boda riders, casual workers, domestic workers and self-employed Kenyans, are required to register under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 and its regulations.
The authority said registration would enable individuals and their families to access healthcare services at SHA-accredited facilities across the country.
SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi urged households that have not registered to complete the process and provide accurate information on their income, household and assets to enable the authority to determine their contributions.
"Every Kenyan has the right to affordable, quality healthcare," SHA said in the notice, emphasising the importance of registration among people working outside formal employment.
Those seeking to register can dial 147# on their mobile phones and follow the prompts, visit the SHA website or access its services through a branch office or Huduma Centre.
Members are required to create an account using their National ID number and a telephone number registered in their name before setting a confidential PIN.
They are then required to confirm their personal details, add eligible dependants such as spouses and children, and complete the means-testing process.
According to SHA, the means-testing exercise requires members to provide accurate information on their income, household and assets. The information is then used to determine the amount they are required to contribute towards their healthcare cover.
After assessment, SHA notifies members of their monthly or annual contribution.
Members can either pay their annual contribution in full or use the Lipa Pole Pole option to make payments in instalments.
However, the authority said those opting for the instalment plan must pay an amount equivalent to four months of their annual contribution before their healthcare cover can be activated.
Payments can be made through Paybill 200222, using the member's ID number as the account number.
SHA warned members against delaying their contributions, saying late payments attract a penalty under the law.
"Late payment of contributions attracts a two per cent penalty on the outstanding amount for the period it remains unpaid," the authority said.
It further cautioned that all outstanding contributions and penalties must be cleared before access to healthcare services under the fund can resume.
After making the required payment, members can access healthcare by presenting their National ID at any SHA-accredited healthcare facility countrywide.
The latest notice comes as the government seeks to expand coverage under the Social Health Insurance Fund and bring more Kenyans, particularly those in the informal sector, into the new health financing system.
Unlike salaried workers whose contributions can be deducted through payroll systems, informal sector households require a different approach to registration, assessment and payment.
SHA's latest sensitisation effort is therefore aimed at ensuring that households outside formal employment understand their obligations while securing access to healthcare services for themselves and their dependants.
