SHA Contributions in Kenya 2026: SHIF Rates, Who Pays What and What It Covers
How much you pay to the Social Health Authority, how the self-employed are assessed, and what the three SHA funds cover.
In October 2024, the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) was replaced by the Social Health Authority (SHA), which runs three funds under the Social Health Insurance Act. The biggest change for most people was the contribution: instead of NHIF's fixed bands, SHIF charges a percentage of income. Here is what you pay in 2026 and what you get.
How Much You Pay
| Category | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Salaried employees | 2.75% of gross monthly salary, deducted by the employer; minimum KES 300, no maximum |
| Self-employed and informal sector | 2.75% of household income as assessed by means testing; minimum KES 300 a month equivalent, paid annually or in instalments |
| Indigent and vulnerable households | Paid by the government after identification |
Examples for employees: KES 20,000 gross pays KES 550; KES 50,000 pays KES 1,375; KES 150,000 pays KES 4,125. Since December 2024, SHIF contributions are deducted before PAYE is calculated, which slightly reduces the tax you pay.
Means Testing for the Self-Employed
If you are not on a payroll, SHA estimates your household's ability to pay using a means-testing tool based on factors like housing, access to services and household composition. You get a figure when you register; you can pay it monthly or annually through the SHA paybill or app. Contributions for non-salaried members are generally due before coverage periods lapse, so pay early to avoid gaps.
The Three SHA Funds
- Primary Healthcare Fund — covers services at Level 2 and 3 facilities (dispensaries and health centres), funded by the government. Free at the point of care for registered Kenyans.
- Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) — funded by member contributions; covers outpatient and inpatient care at Level 4 and above, maternity, surgery, specialised services and more, at empanelled facilities.
- Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund — covers emergencies, chronic conditions and critical illnesses once SHIF benefits are exhausted.
Staying Active and Covering Your Family
Registration covers you and your declared dependants (spouse and children). Your status must be active for hospitals to claim on your behalf; for employees that depends on the employer remitting on time, so check your status periodically. Update your dependants whenever your household changes. Our SHA registration guide shows how to register, add dependants and check status by USSD.
Tips for Using SHA
- Before admission, confirm the hospital is empanelled with SHA for the service you need.
- Carry your ID; facilities verify membership with it.
- Ask what is covered and whether any top-up is payable before treatment, not after.
- Consider private cover as a top-up if you need higher limits or a wider hospital choice.
SHA vs the Old NHIF
| Feature | NHIF (before October 2024) | SHA (from October 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Employee contribution | Fixed bands, up to KES 1,700 a month | 2.75% of gross salary, minimum KES 300, no maximum |
| Self-employed | Flat KES 500 a month | 2.75% of means-tested household income, minimum KES 300 |
| Structure | One fund | Three funds: Primary Healthcare, SHIF, and Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness |
| Tax treatment | Insurance relief applied | Contribution deducted before PAYE since December 2024 |
What Employers Must Do
Employers deduct 2.75% from each employee's gross pay and remit it to SHA by the 9th of the following month. They should ensure every employee is registered, show the deduction on payslips, and keep remittance records. Late remittance attracts penalties and can leave employees inactive when they need care.
Contribution Examples
| Gross monthly salary | Monthly SHIF contribution |
|---|---|
| KES 10,000 | KES 300 (minimum applies) |
| KES 30,000 | KES 825 |
| KES 75,000 | KES 2,062.50 |
| KES 200,000 | KES 5,500 |
Common Questions From the Self-Employed
Self-employed Kenyans often ask how SHA knows what to charge them. The means-testing tool estimates household ability to pay from information you provide during registration — such as housing type, household size and access to services — rather than from tax returns. If your circumstances change significantly, for example your household income drops, check with SHA about reassessment. Paying on time matters more than the exact amount: a lapsed membership means you may not be covered when you need treatment.
SHA Contributions -- FAQ
What is the SHA contribution rate in 2026?
2.75% of gross monthly income for salaried workers, with a minimum of KES 300 and no upper limit. The self-employed pay 2.75% of means-tested household income, with the same minimum.
Is SHA the same as NHIF?
SHA replaced NHIF in October 2024. NHIF's fixed contribution bands were replaced by a percentage-based contribution.
Does my SHA cover my family?
Yes. Your contribution covers you and registered dependants such as your spouse and children.
When is SHIF remitted by employers?
Employers remit SHIF contributions by the 9th of the month following the deduction.
Does SHA cover outpatient services?
Yes. Primary care is covered at Level 2 and 3 facilities through the Primary Healthcare Fund, and outpatient services at higher-level facilities are covered within SHIF benefit rules.
Can I pay SHA through M-Pesa?
Yes. Self-employed members pay through the SHA paybill on M-Pesa using their ID number as the account number, or through the SHA app.
Final Thoughts
SHA's model is straightforward: 2.75% of what you earn, minimum KES 300, covering you and your family across three funds. The practical work is keeping your status active, keeping dependants updated and confirming facility coverage before treatment.