The Social Health Authority (SHA) has issued a directive requiring all employers in Kenya to comply with mandatory health insurance contribution guidelines under the Social Health Insurance (SHI) Act, 2023.
In a public notice, SHA reminded employers—including those in national and county governments, as well as the private sector—of their legal obligation to register with the Authority and submit monthly contributions for their employees and dependents.
“All employers must enrol their staff in the SHA system, ensure their details are current, and encourage them to list their dependents,” the notice stated.
Employers are expected to remit contributions to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) by the 9th of every month. SHA warned that late payments without valid justification constitute an offence under the SHI Act.
Section 27(6) of the Act imposes a two per cent penalty on overdue amounts for every period of non-payment. Persistent failure to comply may result in additional fines of up to Sh2 million, imprisonment for up to three years, or denial of healthcare services for employees.
Employers can register through the official SHA portal at https://employers.sha.go.ke/registration/corporate. For support with registration or compliance, they can call the toll-free line 147, visit www.sha.go.ke, or email [email protected].
The SHA was launched on October 1, 2024, replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) as part of the government’s broader push towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The initiative includes new benefit packages and an expanded healthcare network aimed at making health services more accessible and affordable for all Kenyans.
