MURANG’A – Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni has backed the government’s move to introduce annual contributions to the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying the new system is meant to secure uninterrupted healthcare access for all Kenyans, especially those without a regular income.
Speaking at Murang’a University of Technology during a public forum, Muthoni explained that replacing monthly premiums with annual payments will protect non-salaried citizens who often face 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,” Muthoni stated.
She warned that inconsistent payments under the monthly model led to interruptions in service and complaints. “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,” she said.
Under the new system, every household is expected to pay an annual premium set at 2.75 percent of its income. For low-income households, this translates to about Sh7,200 a year.
To ease the financial strain, Muthoni said the government will allow Kenyans to borrow the full amount from the Hustler Fund at zero interest and repay it gradually. “You can choose to pay back daily, weekly, or monthly—whatever works for your budget,” she explained.
She emphasized that the shift to annual payments is essential for achieving universal healthcare. “If we all pay our share, no one will be turned away from healthcare services,” Muthoni said.
The SHA, launched as part of Kenya’s universal health coverage reform, will work with other institutions to help non-salaried citizens stay compliant through premium financing support.
Muthoni urged the public to embrace the change, stressing that the goal is to ensure no Kenyan is denied care due to financial limitations. “We are building a system where health is a right, not a privilege,” she concluded.
