The Social Health Authority (SHA) has reported a steady increase in claims disbursements since its inception.
To date, SHA has disbursed a total of Ksh 7.3 billion, including Ksh 1.3 billion under the Primary Health Care Fund and Ksh 6 billion for claims from the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The most recent payout, amounting to Ksh 1.12 billion, was made on December 23, 2024, benefiting 5,000 healthcare facilities.
SHA has called on healthcare providers and facilities that have yet to receive payments for services rendered to SHA beneficiaries to reach out for support.
In December 2024, Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi instructed all Huduma Centres across the country to establish dedicated SHIF desks.
This initiative aims to resolve confusion surrounding the Social Health Insurance Fund and the Social Health Authority.
“The SHIF desks in Huduma Centres will serve as accessible information hubs,” said CS Muturi in a statement on X. “I recognize the existing confusion around SHIF and SHA. To address this, I have directed the establishment of SHIF desks nationwide, ensuring that every Kenyan can easily access information and register for this transformative program.”
The SHA oversees the newly introduced Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) as part of a major policy shift aimed at expanding health insurance coverage from 10 million people under the NHIF to over 50 million Kenyans.
This transition is a significant step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
All Kenyan citizens and their dependents are required to register as SHA members to benefit from SHIF.
Initially, the rollout faced challenges, including confusion, system glitches, and patients being asked to pay out of pocket.
However, the government has since addressed these issues, and SHIF is now operating smoothly.
