Senator Mwaruma demands clarity on full annual SHA contributions

Parliament Buildings
Wednesday, 23rd July 2025

Senator Johnes Mwaruma (Taita Taveta) has raised a concern in the Senate, seeking a statement from the Standing Committee on Health regarding the requirement by the Social Health Authority (SHA) that patients contribute for a full year before accessing medical care.

"Section 17(1) of the Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2024, provides that households whose income is not derived from salaried employment shall contribute annually to the SHIF at a rate of 2.75% of the household income, as determined through the prescribed means testing instrument under Regulation 21," stated Senator Mwaruma.

The Legislator told the House that the directive is triggering panic among many Kenyans who, despite making contributions are being denied access to healthcare services because they have not completed a full year of payments. He said the situation undermines the fundamental rights enshrined in Article 43(1)(a) and 43(2) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which guarantee every person the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including the right to health care services.

The Senator now wants the Health Committee to urgently explain the rationale behind denying medical services to patients who have not completed a full year of contributions even in instances where the patient’s contributions are up to date at the time of seeking treatment. He also asked the committee to provide clarification about the government's position on the directive and the measures in place to address the matter.

Further, Senator Mwaruma wants the committee to clarify whether personal data from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), including contributor identity and contribution history was successfully migrated to the SHA's system.

The Senator also raised a concern about the case of Anne Mkala Samba who made contributions on 21 February 2024 intended to cover her up to April 2027. He sought confirmation on whether these contributions are valid and usable under the SHA platform and if not, requested a remedy for her and all other similar cases across the country.