SHIF was created under the Social Health Insurance Act, No. 16 of 2023, referred to as “SHIFA”. It came into effected on 22nd November 2023.
The key objective was to ensure that many Kenyans have access to affordable health care. Payments can also be made using funds requested from mobile applications to enjoy the benefits.
The Act established the Social Health Authority (SHA) and defined the SHIF rates and framework.
It assisted in managing social health insurance and effected Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya.
Comparison Between NHIF and SHIF
| Gross Pay | NHIF | SHIF |
| 20,000 | 750 | 550 |
| 20,001-50,000 | 1,200 | 1,375 |
| 50,001-100,000 | 1,700 | 2,750 |
| 100,001-200,000 | 1,700 | 5,500 |
| 200,001-500,000 | 1,700 | 13,750 |
| 500,001-1,000,000 | 1,700 | 27,500 |
SHIF New Registration
The Act, stipulates that the following persons have to apply to the Authority for registration as SHIF members;
- Any person registered as a member of the repealed NHIF, shall register afresh as a member of the SHIF.
- Kenyan residents
- Non-Kenyan residing in Kenya for more than 12 months.
- Any child born after effecting the Act (post 22nd November 2023)
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Contributions made to the fund began on 1st July 2024
SHIF deduction is calculated by applying 2.75 % of an employee’s gross salary, while for non-salaried income earners, it is obtained from the annual gross income at the same rate.
It’s noted that the minimum amount that can be contributed is Kes. 300
a.) Individuals who make contributions to the fund are known as Contributors.
b.) Beneficiaries are simply people who benefit from the Social Health Insurance Fund cover. Including the principal contributor to the fund.
c.) A SHIF contributor can add their spouse (under the Marriage Act) and children who are below 25 years of age.
d.) In cases where the contributor is polygamous, multiple spouses will be covered as well as their children.
e.) A person who has attained 25 years of age and lacks income of his/her own and still lives with the contributor. They shall be termed as a household separate from the contributor and shall pay Kshs. 300 per month.
a.) The SHIF primary healthcare cover under the Primary Health Care Act, 2023
b.) One enjoys the cover for Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness.
c.) A beneficiary may obtain treatment outside Kenya upon making a request to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
d.) The Travel health Insurance cover for people who travel to Kenya for not more than 12 months.
Conclusion
SHIF members of the general public are encouraged to register with SHIF to enjoy the benefits mentioned above.
The fund alleviates the financial burden that illness poses to household finances, creating peace of mind.
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