- 1.5 million Kenyans to have their SHA fees paid fully by the government.
- Payment process kicks off next week, says Itumbi.
- Informal workers are allowed to pay in flexible instalments through Lipa SHA Pole Pole.
- Taifa Care is to be strengthened and expanded under SHA.
- CS Duale dismisses claims that Hustler Fund defaulters will be locked out of health cover.
President William Ruto has announced that his administration will fully cater for Social Health Insurance (SHA) fees for 1.5 million Kenyans who cannot raise the required amount.
Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects, Dennis Itumbi, confirmed on Tuesday, September 2, that the government will roll out the payment process for beneficiaries starting next week.
This intervention follows earlier reforms introduced in June, where the President unveiled a system to make SHA contributions easier for workers in the informal sector.
Through the “Lipa SHA Pole Pole” plan, contributors will be allowed to pay their annual fees in manageable instalments, whether weekly, monthly, or daily, depending on their income streams.
The model, he explained, is supported by a joint effort between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs, financial institutions, and mobile network operators.
To register, Kenyans can dial *147# and follow the steps provided.
Ruto also assured that the government has set aside adequate funds to strengthen Taifa Care, ensuring every registered citizen can access free services in public hospitals and facilities under the SHA contract.
“Primary healthcare is now fully funded. Kenyans will get treatment without worrying about extra charges,” he said.
Debate over SHA access erupted after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura claimed in June that Hustler Fund defaulters would be denied coverage.
He argued that Kenyans must first clear their loans, noting that defaults had already hit KSh. 6 billion.
However, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale dismissed the statement, terming it misleading. He assured citizens that no one would be locked out of SHA benefits due to unpaid Hustler Fund loans.
“All Kenyans, regardless of their debt status, have a right to health services under SHA,” he clarified.
