SHA CEO Mercy Mwangagi addresses the media during her official report at SHA offices, Nairobi on June 3, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI
Kenya is embarking on a historic journey of
health reform. The Social Health Insurance (SHI) Act is a bold step towards
actualising Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It forms a key pillar of the
Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which positions access to
quality and affordable healthcare as a cornerstone of national development.
BETA recognises that a healthy population is the foundation of a productive
economy and that healthcare must be equitable, accessible, and responsive to
the needs of all Kenyans, particularly those who are underserved.
To make this dream sustainable, the SHI Act
mandates annual contributions to the Social Health Insurance Fund.
At first glance, this may seem burdensome. Why
not stick with monthly contributions, like in the past? The answer lies in
sustainability, consistency and reliability.
Annual contributions are not an arbitrary
requirement; they ensure that the Fund has enough muscle to pay hospital bills
promptly, support preventive care, and negotiate better services for all
members. If we are to break away from the perennial cycle of delayed payments
to health facilities characteristic of the defunct NHIF, medicine stockouts,
and interrupted services, then the Fund must have predictable and adequate cash
flow. And that’s only possible when members commit fully each year.
Imagine running a household or business where
income arrives sporadically, and bills arrive consistently. Without reliable
revenue, any attempt at planning collapses. The SHA is no different. The Fund
can only function efficiently and with integrity if it has a clear
understanding of its spending, without relying on guesses about who might pay
next month.
The government is not blind to the daily
realities of non-salaried Kenyans. It is precisely because of this
understanding that Lipa SHA Pole Pole was born. H.E. President
William Ruto officially unveiled the initiative during the 62nd Madaraka
Day celebrations on June 1, 2025.
Lipa SHA Pole
Pole is a game-changer. It allows non-salaried Kenyans to pay their yearly
SHA contributions in smaller, flexible instalments on a daily, weekly, or
monthly basis, depending on their earning frequency. No interest. No hidden
charges. No pressure. Just manageable payments that fit into your daily life,
ensuring you remain covered throughout the year.
This is not a loan. It’s not a credit
facility. It is simply a structured way to fulfil your annual obligation
flexibly.
Here’s how it works: After registering with
SHA and completing a means test, eligible Kenyans can enrol in Lipa SHA Pole
Pole by dialling *147# or *254#. The plan covers a 2-year period. You pay
the first 4 months upfront and the remaining 20 months through M-PESA Ratiba
(daily, weekly, or monthly) or through direct payments. If you miss a payment, the
system retries automatically, and you can top up manually if needed.
This flexible payment option will ensure the
Fund can plan and deliver services while also making sure that the mama
mboga in Migori or the mechanic in Mathare can afford to participate in the
scheme.
The goal of UHC is about coverage, trust,
equity, and dignity in healthcare. To achieve that, we need a Fund that works
for the people and a people that understand why their contributions, however
structured, matter. Let’s walk this journey together.
Dr Mercy Mwangangi is the Chief Executive
Officer at the Social Health Authority