Contributions can be made through an employer, who deducts and remits the 2.75 percent on behalf of the employee, through self-payment following the means-testing process, or via an indigent program. In the latter case, contributions are covered by the government, county, or a designated group.
At least 18.1 million Kenyans have registered with SHA so far, including 3 million from the informal employment sector. Additionally, approximately 8,600 hospitals have been accredited under SHA.
SHA officially replaced NHIF on October 1, 2025.
The number of individuals registering with the scheme is significantly higher compared to the 5 million active members previously under NHIF.
The SHA law mandates that all Kenyans register to the new scheme to access services provided through the Public Healthcare Fund, which supports Level 2 and 3 facilities such as dispensaries and health centers.
The scheme also provides care to individual members using the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), in addition to Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, that provides service.
"Roll out of SHA has witnessed great progress. We have been able to register 18. 1 million citizens, this is great progress. We also have a number of Kenyans do means testing close to 3 million and pay their premiums," added Ingasira.
The SHA boss noted that more healthcare personnel working in hospitals, as well as other health providers across the country, have been trained to assist with the registration process as needed.
Community Health Promoters (CHPs) have also been equipped with the necessary knowledge and are expected to support individuals at the village level in enrolling in the scheme. They use local dialects to explain the benefits of becoming an SHA member.
Meanwhile, the authority is focusing on helping individuals add dependents to their profiles, including children and students.
Ingasira emphasised that they are collaborating with the Ministry of Education to ensure all learners are registered, enabling them to access healthcare when they fall ill.
"We want all children across the country to be added to the profiles created by their parents. Additionally, we are prioritizing special groups, including expectant mothers, street families, and individuals in custody, to ensure they are brought on board," said Ingasira.