- The Social Health Authority has directed non-salaried households to update their registration details and keep their contributions current to retain access to healthcare services.
- The directive targets millions of Kenyans in the informal sector, including traders, farmers, boda boda operators, artisans, fishermen and freelancers.
- SHA says accurate household records, timely contributions and completed means testing are essential for uninterrupted access to benefits under the Social Health Insurance Fund.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has issued a fresh directive to millions of Kenyans earning their livelihoods outside formal employment, urging them to update their registration details and maintain active contributions to continue enjoying health insurance benefits under the country’s universal healthcare programme.
The latest notice targets non-salaried households, including small-scale traders, farmers, boda boda operators, artisans, fishermen, casual labourers, freelancers, business owners and other self-employed individuals whose incomes are not processed through a monthly payroll.
SHA said all non-salaried households must ensure their personal and household information is accurate and up to date while completing the household means-testing process where applicable.
According to the Authority, the assessment determines the amount each household contributes towards the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
“All non-salaried households are required to ensure their personal and household information is accurate and up to date.”
“They are also expected to complete the household means-testing process where applicable, as this determines the amount each household contributes toward the Social Health Insurance Fund.”
Active contributions required
The Authority explained that unlike salaried employees, whose contributions are deducted automatically by employers, non-salaried households are responsible for making their own contributions based on their assessed financial capacity.
SHA said keeping contributions current is critical to ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare services whenever members require treatment.
“Unlike salaried employees, whose contributions are deducted automatically by employers, non-salaried households are responsible for making their own contributions based on their assessed financial capacity.”
“Keeping contributions current is essential to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare services whenever they are needed.”
The Authority added that maintaining an active membership remains one of the key conditions for accessing treatment at healthcare facilities contracted under the national health insurance programme.
It cautioned that delayed or missed contributions could affect access to healthcare benefits until members comply with the contribution requirements.
“Maintaining an active membership is one of the key requirements for accessing treatment at healthcare facilities contracted under the national health insurance programme.”
“Delayed or missed contributions could affect access to benefits until compliance requirements are met.”
Members advised to update household details
SHA further urged members to regularly review their household records and ensure all eligible dependants, including spouses and children, are correctly captured in the system.
The Authority said accurate household information enables health facilities to verify beneficiaries more quickly and reduces delays when seeking medical care.
“The notice also urges members to review their household records regularly and ensure that all eligible dependants, including spouses and children, are correctly captured in the system.”
“Accurate information enables health facilities to verify beneficiaries quickly and minimizes delays in accessing medical services.”
The directive forms part of the government’s continued efforts to strengthen Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme by expanding access to affordable healthcare for every household, regardless of employment status.
Since replacing the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), SHA has continued implementing reforms aimed at creating a more sustainable and equitable health financing system.
Health officials have repeatedly encouraged Kenyans working in the informal sector to register early, keep their records updated and make timely contributions to avoid inconveniences when seeking medical care.
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SHA also advised members experiencing challenges with registration, household assessment or payments to seek assistance through its customer service channels or visit the nearest SHA service centre for guidance.
Reaffirming its commitment to universal healthcare, the Authority called on all non-salaried households to comply with the latest requirements and support the country’s efforts to provide quality, affordable and reliable healthcare for every Kenyan.
By Hillary Muhalya
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