The Social Health Authority has issued a warning to employers over not enrolling their employees in SHA and submitting monthly contributions.
In a notice on Wednesday, May 14, SHA noted that employers are under the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023, employers are required to register employees and make contributions by the 9th of each month.
“The Social Health Insurance Act of 2023 requires the Social Health Authority (SHA) to provide quality health coverage for all Kenyan residents. Employers must register with SHA, enroll their employees and dependents, and submit monthly contributions by the 9th of each month,” the notice read in part.
The authority highlighted that the directive applies to all employers operating in the country, including the national and county governments.
“Section 27(1) of the SHI Act 2023, part (c) states that every national government, (d) county government, and (e) any other employer operating within the country is liable to contribute to the fund,” SHA stated.
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Further, SHA warned employers that they may face penalties of up to Ksh2 million or three years in jail for failing to register their employees with the authority and remiting monthly contributions.
“Not paying contributions to the Social Health Insurance Fund without a valid reason is an offense. Offenders may face fines up to two million shillings and/or up to three years in prison. Non-compliance can also lead to financial penalties and loss of health services for employees,” the authority warned.
Additionally, SHA called on employers to ensure the details of their employees are up to date and encourage them to add their dependents.
This comes days after Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga announced that more than 22 million Kenyans have so far registered under SHA.
Oluga noted that SHA’s digital systems are fully operational and are supporting efficient service delivery across the country.
"So far, healthcare providers have served 1.2 million Kenyans, with claims worth Sh45 billion already processed.
“The Social Health Authority is changing the health financing landscape and cushioning Kenyans who would otherwise slide into poverty because of hospital bills,” Oluga stated.
