Gov’t Disburses Ksh4 Billion to SHA for Public Servants’ Medical Cover

The Ministry of Public Service has released Ksh4 billion to the Social Health Authority (SHA) to facilitate medical cover for public servants.

Speaking on Sunday, September 7, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku confirmed the disbursement, noting that the funds will cover civil servants across all ministries.

"As the Ministry of Public Service, we have been addressing issues concerning civil servants, and I know that at the moment we have all the money required to pay for medical schemes for public servants in all ministries. Ksh4 billion was sent to the Social Health Authority (SHA) on Friday," he said.

This comes a week after President William Ruto announced that the government will bear the cost of SHA for 1.5 million Kenyans who are unable to afford it.

In an update on Tuesday, September 2, Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects, Dennis Itumbi, confirmed that the payment mechanisms for the beneficiaries will begin next week.

"We have identified 1.5 million Kenyans who cannot afford the SHA registration fee. The Government will cover the cost for all of them and payment mechanisms will begin next week," Ruto's statement read.

Elsewhere, SHA on Friday, September 5, issued a warning to employers regarding timely remittance of employee contributions.

In a notice, the authority emphasized that all employers and contributors under the Social Health Insurance Act No. 16 of 2023 must adhere to strict payment deadlines to avoid costly penalties.

According to the notice, monthly SHA contributions are due by the 9th of every month, as stipulated in Legal Notice 22(1) of the SHA (General) Regulations, 2024.

"Employers face a 2% monthly penalty on outstanding contributions, with the penalty applying each month until full payment is made," the notice stated.

SHA noted that late remittance triggers suspension of access to healthcare benefits, meaning employees cannot access medical services until all arrears and penalties are settled.

The authority also outlined several compelling reasons for compliance, including avoiding costly penalties, ensuring employees maintain uninterrupted access to health services, and staying compliant with national law requirements.