NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health is set to begin nationwide training sessions in preparation for the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) services, marking a major shift in Kenya’s healthcare system.
The official launch will be presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, alongside other key health officials, including PS for Medical Services Harry Kimtai and Director General for Health Patrick Amoth.
During the launch, the officials will provide a roadmap for the digitisation of healthcare services, which will take effect on October 1.
By this date, all civil servants are expected to have registered for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), a new system introduced to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The rollout of SHIF comes in the wake of a government focus on public education and awareness about the transition.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura recently confirmed that draft contracts with healthcare providers had been finalised, ensuring the smooth operationalisation of SHA services.
“As of September 3, 2024, over 861,000 Kenyans had registered with SHA, and nearly 10,000 health facilities—comprising 2,008 public, 7,784 private, and faith-based facilities—had been licensed,” Mwaura said during a briefing on September 5.
He emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring all citizens understand the transition and the benefits it offers.
The registration process for SHIF began on July 1, 2024, following the expiration of NHIF on June 30.
Kenyans can self-register through a USSD code (*147#), online via the SHA website, or with the assistance of Community Health Promoters at designated registration points.
Employers in the formal sector will remit 2.75% of employees’ gross salary toward SHIF, while non-salaried individuals will contribute a similar percentage based on means testing.
Mwaura also highlighted that the national and county governments would shoulder the cost of insurance premiums for vulnerable populations, including the poor and prisoners, as part of the government’s social protection strategy.
With the introduction of SHA, Kenyans can expect several enhanced benefits, including full digitisation of services, biometric verification, and an expanded healthcare package.
Monthly premiums have been reduced from Sh500 to Sh300, and coverage has been extended to include emergency care.
Furthermore, the SHA card will provide access to all licensed health facilities, whether public, private, or faith-based, ensuring universal healthcare access across the country.
The official launch will be presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, alongside other key health officials, including PS for Medical Services Harry Kimtai and Director General for Health Patrick Amoth.
During the launch, the officials will provide a roadmap for the digitisation of healthcare services, which will take effect on October 1.
By this date, all civil servants are expected to have registered for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), a new system introduced to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The rollout of SHIF comes in the wake of a government focus on public education and awareness about the transition.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura recently confirmed that draft contracts with healthcare providers had been finalised, ensuring the smooth operationalisation of SHA services.
“As of September 3, 2024, over 861,000 Kenyans had registered with SHA, and nearly 10,000 health facilities—comprising 2,008 public, 7,784 private, and faith-based facilities—had been licensed,” Mwaura said during a briefing on September 5.
He emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring all citizens understand the transition and the benefits it offers.
The registration process for SHIF began on July 1, 2024, following the expiration of NHIF on June 30.
Kenyans can self-register through a USSD code (*147#), online via the SHA website, or with the assistance of Community Health Promoters at designated registration points.
Employers in the formal sector will remit 2.75% of employees’ gross salary toward SHIF, while non-salaried individuals will contribute a similar percentage based on means testing.
Mwaura also highlighted that the national and county governments would shoulder the cost of insurance premiums for vulnerable populations, including the poor and prisoners, as part of the government’s social protection strategy.
With the introduction of SHA, Kenyans can expect several enhanced benefits, including full digitisation of services, biometric verification, and an expanded healthcare package.
Monthly premiums have been reduced from Sh500 to Sh300, and coverage has been extended to include emergency care.
Furthermore, the SHA card will provide access to all licensed health facilities, whether public, private, or faith-based, ensuring universal healthcare access across the country.
