Photo: Isaiah Maghanga, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Health insurance in Kenya: SHA contributions and private cover
SHA: who pays what
The Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2024 set the contributions:
| Who | Contribution | When |
|---|---|---|
| Salaried workers | 2.75% of gross salary, minimum KES 300 a month | Deducted by the employer, paid by the 9th of each month |
| Self-employed and informal workers | 2.75% of household income, as assessed by the means-testing tool, minimum KES 300 a month | Paid yearly, as set by SHA's means test |
| Adults over 25 with no income of their own | KES 300 a month | — |
SHA confirms the rate on its premium rates page, with no upper limit, and late payment costs 2% a month — work out your amount with our SHA contribution calculator. You can register online, by USSD on *147#, or through SHA agents, Huduma Centres and SHA offices. Registration is open to all residents, including refugees and non-citizens.
Private medical insurance: what to compare
Private cover is sold by general insurers (some specialised in health, such as AAR, Jubilee Health or Equity Health) and by medical insurance providers registered with IRA. Compare:
- Inpatient limit per person and per family — and whether outpatient, maternity, dental and optical are included or optional.
- Waiting periods and how pre-existing and chronic conditions are handled.
- Hospital panel: where you can be treated without paying first.
- Co-payment and any annual renewal age limits.
- Whether the plan coordinates with your SHA cover.
What would you like to do now?
Frequently asked questions
How much is SHA per month in Kenya?
2.75% of gross monthly income, with a minimum of KES 300 a month (Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2024).
When did SHA replace NHIF?
The Ministry of Health launched the Social Health Authority on 1 October 2024.
How do I register for SHA?
Online on sha.go.ke, by dialling *147#, or through SHA agents, Huduma Centres and SHA offices.
Sources
- Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2024 — Ministry of Health
- Social Health Authority — premium rates
- Social Health Authority — how to register
- Social Health Authority — Social Health Insurance Fund
- Ministry of Health — Kenya to launch the Social Health Authority on 1 October 2024
- IRA Kenya — registry of licensed entities (brokers, agents, medical insurance providers…)