The Social Health Act (General) Regulations 2024 support the Social Health Insurance Act (SHIA) of 2023. The goal is to ensure every Kenyan has access to universal healthcare. The government is setting up key health funds, including the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the Primary Healthcare Fund, and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund.
Transition to SHIF by October 1, 2024
To ease the transition, the Ministry of Health has given clear instructions. Employers must switch to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) by October 1, 2024. Starting that day, employers will deduct and remit contributions from employees. The Social Health Insurance Regulations, published on March 8, 2024, require all Kenyan residents to register with the Social Health Authority by the 1 st of October 2024.
Contributions and Registration
The Social Health Insurance Act (General) Regulations 2024 require salaried employees to contribute 2.75% of their gross salary. Non-salaried individuals will pay based on a means test, with a minimum of KSh 300 monthly. . Employers are responsible for deducting these contributions and remitting them to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) by the 9th of every month​
Advancing Universal Healthcare
By enforcing mandatory contributions, Kenya is taking a bold step toward universal healthcare. This move will improve access to health services for everyone. It will also support the nation’s healthcare goals and ensure better health for all citizens.
The regulations require all individuals residing in Kenya to register with the Social Health Authority before 1 October 2024, and employers are expected to begin deducting and remitting contributions from the same date