How Much Do I Pay for SHA in Kenya? (Simple Guide)
How Much Do I Pay for SHA in Kenya? (Simple Guide)
💡 Quick Answer:
Under Kenya’s new healthcare system, most people contribute 2.75% of their monthly income to the Social Health Authority (SHA), with a minimum contribution
of about KSh 300 per month.
The system is managed by the Social Health Authority.
Imagine This
You earn KSh 50,000 per month.
Under the SHA system, your contribution is calculated as:
2.75% of your income
So your monthly SHA payment would be:
💰 KSh 1,375 per month
This contribution helps fund healthcare services across Kenya.
How SHA Contributions Are Calculated
SHA contributions depend on your monthly income.
| Monthly Income | 2.75% Contribution |
|---|---|
| KSh 20,000 | KSh 550 |
| KSh 50,000 | KSh 1,375 |
| KSh 100,000 | KSh 2,750 |
If someone earns very little or has irregular income, the minimum payment is about KSh 300 per month.
Who Pays SHA Contributions?
Different groups contribute differently.
1⃣ Employed Individuals
For employed workers:
- Contributions are calculated from monthly salary
- Employers may help deduct and submit the contribution
2⃣ Self-Employed or Informal Workers
For self-employed individuals:
- Contributions are based on declared income
- Payments are made directly through the SHA system
Many people in the informal sector pay the minimum contribution.
3⃣ Vulnerable Households
Some households may receive government support.
The government may help cover healthcare costs for:
- vulnerable families
- low-income households
- people registered under social protection programs
What Your SHA Contribution Covers
Your SHA contribution helps fund different healthcare services.
These include:
- primary healthcare services ✔ hospital treatment
- emergency care ✔ chronic illness support
The system aims to improve Universal Health Coverage in Kenya.
Compare SHA with private alternatives in which health insurance is best in Kenya.
How to Pay SHA
Payments can usually be made through:
- mobile money services
- online platforms
- employer payroll deductions
This makes contributions easier for many people.
Example
Let's compare two people:
| Person | Income | SHA Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Worker A | KSh 30,000 | KSh 825 |
| Worker B | KSh 80,000 | KSh 2,200 |
Both contribute based on 2.75% of income.
Why SHA Contributions Matter
The system is designed to:
- improve access to healthcare ✔ reduce out-of-pocket medical costs ✔ support national health coverage ✔ ensure more people receive medical care
It replaces the previous system run by the National Hospital Insurance Fund.
Learn how SHA compares to the old NHIF system in what is SHA and how it differs from NHIF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum SHA contribution?
The minimum contribution is around KSh 300 per month.
Is SHA mandatory?
The system is designed to support national health coverage, meaning most residents are expected to participate.
Speak with a Serrari advisor to integrate SHA contributions into your broader financial plan.
Do higher earners pay more?
Yes. Contributions increase with income because the payment is percentage-based.
Final Thoughts
SHA contributions are based on 2.75% of income, with a minimum payment required for those earning less.
The system aims to improve healthcare access and reduce medical costs for many Kenyans.
Quick Tip
Before making payments, confirm your registered income details on the SHA platform to ensure the correct contribution amount.
Also read how to compare health insurance in Kenya, SHA contribution rates for 2026, and explore Money Market Funds on Serrari for additional savings.
