President William Ruto has unveiled a new health fund payment model aimed at enhancing affordability and accessibility for millions of Kenyans, particularly those in the informal sector. Dubbed LIPA SHA POLE POLE or LIPA SHA MOS MOS, the initiative was announced during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations held in Homa Bay County on Sunday.
The President said the payment model will allow Kenyans to remit their Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions in manageable instalments—daily, weekly, or monthly—based on individual financial capacity.
“This initiative enables Kenyans to remit their annual SHA contributions through flexible, manageable instalments, whether monthly, weekly or even daily based on their financial ability,” Ruto said.
The approach seeks to address long-standing challenges of irregular payments and low enrollment among informal sector workers. It also aims to ensure continuous health coverage for families without causing financial hardship, while promoting the sustainability of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
According to President Ruto, the flexible model is already gaining traction, with 1.7 million informal sector households having enrolled in SHA.
“I urge every Kenyan to take charge of their health by enrolling with SHA, so that together we can end the heartbreaking cycle where families are forced to auction their livestock, sell their land, or part with their life’s possessions just to afford medical care,” he appealed.
“Let us unite to build a healthcare system rooted in dignity, equality, and compassion; a system where access to care is a right, not a privilege for a few.”
The payment model was developed through collaboration between the Ministries of Health, Cooperatives and MSMEs, alongside mobile network operators and financial institutions.
While the government has capped SHA monthly deductions at 2.75% of income, some experts and civil society groups have called for a review of the rate, citing tough economic conditions and low contribution compliance from the informal sector. They argue that either reducing the premium or improving the broader economic environment would help ensure wider participation and the fund’s long-term success.
