The Social Health Authority (SHA) is a mandatory health insurance scheme in Kenya that covers both formal and informal sector workers. For salaried employees, SHA contributions are deducted at source by the employer and remitted to the fund by the 9th of the following month. The contribution amount depends on the employee's gross salary and follows a graduated scale.
SHA Contribution Rates Table
SHA uses a fixed-amount system based on salary brackets rather than a percentage. Employees earning up to KES 5,999 contribute KES 150 per month, while those earning KES 100,000 and above contribute KES 1,700. The full deduction schedule is shown below.
| Gross Salary Range (KES) | Monthly Contribution (KES) |
|---|---|
| Up to 5,999 | 150 |
| 6,000 - 7,999 | 300 |
| 8,000 - 11,999 | 400 |
| 12,000 - 14,999 | 500 |
| 15,000 - 19,999 | 600 |
| 20,000 - 24,999 | 750 |
| 25,000 - 29,999 | 850 |
| 30,000 - 34,999 | 900 |
| 35,000 - 39,999 | 950 |
| 40,000 - 44,999 | 1,000 |
| 45,000 - 49,999 | 1,100 |
| 50,000 - 59,999 | 1,200 |
| 60,000 - 69,999 | 1,300 |
| 70,000 - 79,999 | 1,400 |
| 80,000 - 89,999 | 1,500 |
| 90,000 - 99,999 | 1,600 |
| 100,000 and above | 1,700 |
Employer vs Employee Responsibilities
Unlike NSSF where both the employer and employee contribute, SHA contributions are borne entirely by the employee. However, the employer is responsible for deducting the correct amount from the employee's salary and remitting it to SHA. Some employers choose to cover SHA on behalf of their staff as an additional benefit, but this is not a legal requirement.
Penalties for Late or Non-Remittance
Late remittance of SHA contributions attracts a penalty of 5x the contribution amount. For example, failing to remit KES 1,700 for an employee would result in a penalty of KES 8,500. Employers must ensure timely remittance through the SHA portal or their bank to avoid these substantial fines.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) manages the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which provides mandatory health insurance coverage in Kenya. Employers should monitor updates from SHA for changes to contribution rates and remittance procedures.
How to Register and Remit SHA Online
- 1Register as an employer on the SHA Self-Service Portal at sha.go.ke.
- 2Add all employees with their national ID numbers and salary details.
- 3Generate the monthly contribution schedule from the portal.
- 4Pay via M-Pesa, bank transfer, or the SHA portal.
- 5Download and retain the payment receipt as proof of remittance.
