Duale hails ‘Lipa SHA Pole Pole’ as a breakthrough for informal sector healthcare

Health Cabinet Secretary  Aden Duale during   a media briefing on lipa SHA pole pole on June 16 2025/ Ministry of health/X

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has praised the new Lipa SHA Pole Pole model as a game-changer in making healthcare affordable and accessible for Kenyans in the informal sector.

Speaking during a media briefing on the Social Health Authority (SHA) rollout, Duale said the flexible payment system reflects how millions of Kenyans earn and live.

“With Lipa SHA Pole Pole, contributors can pay daily, weekly, or monthly depending on their income flow. This flexible system respects how people earn and supports their access to care,” said Duale.

Principal Secretary State Department for Medical Services Ouma Oluga giving his speech concerning lipa SHA pole pole on June 16 2025/ Ministry of health /X

So far, more than 1.8 million informal sector contributors have signed up and made payments under the new model—surpassing previous enrollment trends.

“Lipa SHA Pole Pole is about equal opportunity. Whether you earn daily or monthly, you are part of the national health protection system,” he added.

Under the SHA framework, administrative costs are capped at 5%, and contributions are based on means testing to ensure fairness across different income levels.

The model forms part of the broader Taifa Care plan, which replaces the old health insurance system with a structure grounded in equity, transparency, and accountability.

Unlike the previous model, 95% of all SHA contributions go directly to healthcare services. Hospitals are also guaranteed timely reimbursements—by the 14th of every month—aimed at boosting service delivery and trust in the system.

Duale’s remarks come days after President William Ruto officially announced the Lipa SHA Pole Pole initiative during this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.

The president described the initiative as a practical solution tailored to the needs of informal sector workers, who often struggle with lump-sum payments.

“We are introducing an initiative and inclusive payment solution called Lipa SHA polepole or Lipa SHA mosmos. This initiative will enable Kenyans to remit their annual SHA contribution through installments, whether monthly, weekly or daily,” President Ruto said.

He noted that the flexible approach addresses long-standing challenges around irregular contributions, helping bring more Kenyans into the fold of health protection.

The government says Lipa SHA Pole Pole is a major step toward achieving universal health coverage and ensuring no Kenyan is left behind due to inability to pay.