Public Health PS, Mary Muthoni speaking in Murang'a/HANDOUT
The government’s decision to introduce annual contributions to the Social Health Authority is aimed at ensuring continuous healthcare access for all Kenyans.
Public Health PS, Mary Muthoni, said the shift from monthly to annual payments is intended to secure uninterrupted coverage, particularly for non-salaried individuals who may experience income disruptions.
“Paying annually in advance guarantees that beneficiaries continue receiving services, even if they face temporary financial hardship due to illness or loss of income,” she said.
Muthoni was speaking during a public participation forum at Murang’a University of Technology.
“If someone pays for only a few months and then becomes unable to continue, they may be denied services and end up blaming SHA for not working,” Muthoni added.
The PS emphasised that universal healthcare access can only be realised if every Kenyan makes their required contributions.
“If we all pay our share, no one will be turned away from healthcare services,” she stated.
To ease the burden of the lump-sum annual payment, which is set at 2.75 per cent of the household income, Kenyans can borrow from the Hustler Fund at zero interest.
“Let’s say your annual contribution is Sh7,200 and you can’t afford to pay it all at once. The government has made it possible to borrow the amount interest-free and repay it gradually whether daily, weekly, or monthly,” Muthoni said.
She encouraged the public to embrace the new system, explaining that SHA, in collaboration with other institutions, will continue providing premium financing support to facilitate compliance among non-salaried individuals.
Muthoni reiterated that the initiative is designed to ensure no Kenyan is denied quality healthcare due to lack of funds and urged the public to support the programme for the success of universal health coverage.
