The Social Health Authority (SHA) has issued a directive requiring all employers to register and enroll their employees and their dependents into the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and remit monthly contributions by the 9th of every month.
In a public notice, SHA stressed that the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, obligates all employers—including national and county governments as well as private sector entities—to contribute to the fund.
“Section 27(1) of the SHI Act 2023 states that every employer, whether from the national government, county government, or private sector, is required to contribute to the fund,” the notice read.
The Authority warned of steep penalties for non-compliance. According to Section 27(6) of the Act, any employer who fails to remit the required contributions on time will incur a penalty of two per cent of the outstanding amount for each month the default continues.
Moreover, defaulters face legal consequences, including fines of up to Sh2 million or imprisonment for up to three years.
“Failure to remit SHIF contributions without valid justification constitutes an offence. Offenders risk fines and/or jail time, and affected employees may be denied access to health services,” SHA stated.
Employers have been urged to use SHA’s online portal to register, update employee records, and include dependent details. Those requiring assistance can reach out via the toll-free line 147 or consult SHA’s official website and email support channels.
Speaking during a Social Sector National Development Implementation Committee (NDIC) meeting in Nairobi on Tuesday, Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga announced that over 22 million Kenyans had already registered under SHA.
He said the Authority’s digital infrastructure is now fully operational, enabling efficient service delivery countrywide.
“Healthcare providers have already served 1.2 million Kenyans, with claims processed totalling Sh45 billion,” said Dr Oluga, noting that SHA is playing a crucial role in transforming health financing and protecting citizens from impoverishing hospital bills.
