By News Desk
Kenya’s healthcare system has undergone a historic shift with the introduction of the Social Health Authority (SHA), replacing the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund. The new model is part of the government’s push toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC)—ensuring every Kenyan can access medical care without financial hardship.
But as the rollout continues in 2026, questions remain:
Why should Kenyans pay for SHA? How many hospitals are actually offering it? And what are health experts saying?
Why Kenyans Are Required to Pay for SHA, Under the Social Health Insurance Act 2023, SHA is mandatory for all Kenyans—whether employed, self-employed, or unemployed.
Unlike NHIF, which many avoided, SHA is built on a social insurance model, where everyone contributes into one pool to support those who fall sick.
Key reasons Kenyans must pay:
Universal access to healthcare – no one is excluded.
Income-based contributions – about 2.75% of salary for workers.
Government support for the poor – vulnerable groups are subsidized
Legal requirement – non-compliance can attract penalties
What SHA Covers (Beyond NHIF)
SHA introduces a broader and more structured health system with three funds:
Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF)
Free services like immunization, maternal care, screening
Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)
Covers outpatient, inpatient, surgery, chronic illnesses
Emergency, Chronic & Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF)
Covers cancer, ICU, dialysis, major surgeries.
This means Kenyans can access:
Emergency services
Chronic disease treatment
Mental health care
Rehabilitation and palliative care �
How Many Hospitals Are Offering SHA?
The government says SHA has rapidly expanded access across the country:
Over 9,000 healthcare facilities nationwide are now accessible under SHA
According to Ministry of Health
At least 2,823 hospitals were actively used by patients (teachers alone) in early 2026
These include:
Public hospitals
Private hospitals
Faith-based facilities
Specialized referral hospitals
SHA works through contracted and accredited facilities, meaning patients must visit approved hospitals to receive services.What Health Experts Are Saying
Positive Views
Health policy experts argue SHA is a major step toward fairness:
It eliminates inequality seen under NHIF
Expands coverage to informal sector workers.
Focuses on preventive care, not just treatment
Experts say the system ensures “no Kenyan suffers due to lack of money for treatment.”
Concerns and Criticism
However, not everyone is convinced:
1. Affordability Concerns
Some experts warn:
Low-income earners may struggle with contributions
Informal workers may under-declare income
2. Digital Barriers
Critics highlight:
Registration depends heavily on digital systems
Rural and vulnerable populations risk exclusion.
3. System Challenges
Recent issues include:
System outages affecting services �
Fraud and fake claims scandals costing billions .
Insurance Perspective: What SHA Means for You
SHA is not just insurance—it’s a national risk-sharing system:
You pay even when healthy
Funds are pooled to cover those who fall sick
You are guaranteed treatment when needed.
This is similar to global models used in countries with strong public healthcare systems.
Why SHA Still Matters for Kenyans
Despite challenges, experts agree on one thing:
SHA is Kenya’s best chance at universal healthcare
Without it:
Millions would still pay out-of-pocket
Serious illness could push families into poverty.
Access to quality care would remain unequal
The success of SHA will depend on:
Public trust and compliance
Government transparency
Efficient hospital payments
Strong oversight to prevent corruption.
For now, Kenyans face a critical choice:embrace the system and shape it—or risk being left without coverage when it matters most.
