WHAT IS THE SOCIAL HEALTH INSURANCE FUND (SHIF)?
- It is a fund created under the Social Health Insurance Act, No. 16 of 2023 (“SHIFA”) which came into force on 22nd November 2023 to ensure many Kenyans have access to affordable health care.
- The Act establishes the Social Health Authority (SHA) and a framework for managing social health insurance to give effect to Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution.
WHEN DOES IT COMMENCE?
- Deductions on contribution to the fund shall begin 1st July 2024
HOW MUCH SHOULD BE CONTRIBUTED?
- SHIF deductions will be 2.75 % of an employee’s gross salary or 2.75% of annual gross income for non-salaried income earners.
- The minimum amount that can be contributed is Kes. 300
COMPARISON OF RATES WITH NHIF
| 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 |
CONTRIBUTORS AND BENEFICIARIES
- A person who makes contributions towards the fund is called a Contributor.
- Beneficiaries are people who benefit from the social health insurance cover including the contributor.
- A contributor can include their spouse (under the Marriage Act) and children (below 25 years e.g. college/university students) as beneficiaries under their cover.
- A polygamous contributor will be allowed to cover multiple spouses and their children as beneficiaries.
- A person who has attained the age of 25 years and has no income of his/her own and is still living with the contributor(parent) shall be treated as a household separate from the contributor and shall pay Kshs. 300 per month.
FRESH REGISTRATION
Under the Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2023, the following people must apply to the Authority for registration as a member of the SHIF;
- Any person currently registered as a member of the repealed NHIF shall register afresh with the Authority as a member of the SHIF.
- Every person resident in Kenya
- Non-Kenyans who are residents in Kenya for more than 12 months
- Any child born after commencement of the Act (post 22nd November 2023)
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION – 30th of June 2024
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SHIF?
- Primary healthcare cover under the Primary Health Care Act, 2023
- Cover for Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness.
- A beneficiary may access treatment outside Kenya upon requesting the Social Health Authority
- Travel health Insurance cover for persons who travel into Kenya for not more than 12 months.
