Over 18 Million Kenyans Registered Under Social Health Authority – A Step Towards Universal Coverage
As of January 2025, the Ministry of Health (MoH) announced that 18,243,251 Kenyans have registered under the new Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme. This marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s healthcare reform efforts aimed at achieving universal health coverage (UHC).
The transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA is a critical component of this initiative, which seeks to provide comprehensive health insurance for all citizens, including those in the informal sector and vulnerable populations.
Transition from NHIF to SHA
The transition from NHIF to SHA has seen 4.6 million Kenyans move from the old system to the new one. This shift is designed to enhance healthcare access and efficiency by providing a more inclusive health insurance model.
Unlike NHIF, which primarily catered to formal sector employees, SHA aims to cover every Kenyan, thereby addressing historical gaps in health service coverage.
Registration Challenges and Strategies
Despite the encouraging registration numbers, challenges remain. The MoH noted that weekend registrations tend to be lower due to reliance on health service visits for registration.
To combat this, the government has employed various strategies to boost registration numbers, including door-to-door campaigns and community engagement initiatives. Community Health Promoters (CHPs) play a vital role in assisting individuals with the registration process and raising awareness about the benefits of SHA.
Importance of Updating Profiles
The MoH emphasized the necessity for beneficiaries to update their profiles regularly. Many individuals have not registered their dependents, which limits their access to comprehensive healthcare services. The ministry encourages principal beneficiaries to proactively register their dependents to ensure full family coverage under SHA.
Health Information Exchange Deployment
A significant development in enhancing healthcare delivery is the full deployment of the Health Information Exchange as of December 2024. This system allows for seamless sharing of patient records across health facilities, improving care continuity and efficiency under the UHC program. The deployment includes a Client Registry, Health Care Provider Registry, and Health Facility Registry.
Financial Contributions and Sustainability
The SHA introduces a tiered contribution system based on income levels, aiming for sustainability and inclusivity in health financing. The government anticipates that SHA will significantly increase health funding compared to NHIF’s previous contributions. For instance, self-employed individuals contribute a minimum of Ksh 300 monthly, while salaried employees contribute 2.75% of their gross salary.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the MoH aims for 100% enrollment under SHA by engaging various stakeholders and enhancing public awareness campaigns. The government is committed to ensuring that all Kenyans can access quality medical care as enshrined in the Constitution.
Conclusion
The registration of over 18 million Kenyans under SHA represents a pivotal step towards achieving universal health coverage in Kenya. While challenges persist, ongoing efforts by the government and community health workers are crucial for ensuring that all citizens can benefit from this transformative healthcare initiative.
