The Social Health Authority (SHA) has warned Kenyans working in the informal sector that failing to pay their health insurance contributions on time under the Lipa Pole Pole programme will attract financial penalties and could lead to the suspension of healthcare services until all outstanding dues are cleared.
In a public notice issued on Saturday, August 1, the authority reminded members that delayed payments are subject to penalties as provided for under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023. SHA said the penalty will be calculated at two per cent of the outstanding contribution for the period the amount remains unpaid.
“Important Notice: Late payment attracts a penalty. Under Section 27(6) of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, late payment of contributions attracts a 2% penalty on the outstanding amount for the period it remains unpaid,” the notice stated.
The authority further cautioned that members who fail to clear both their unpaid contributions and the accrued penalties will not be able to access healthcare services until the full balance is settled.
The notice is directed at non-salaried households registered under SHA, including farmers, traders, boda boda riders, casual labourers, domestic workers and self-employed Kenyans. These groups are required to register for the health insurance scheme in line with the Social Health Insurance Act and its regulations.
SHA said members have the option of paying their annual contributions in one lump sum or through the Lipa Pole Pole instalment plan after completing the registration process and the mandatory means test.
The authority urged members to honour their payment schedules to avoid penalties and interruptions to their medical cover.
Under the instalment arrangement, a member becomes eligible for healthcare services after paying an amount equivalent to four months of their assessed annual contribution. The remaining balance can then be paid according to the agreed payment schedule.
SHA also reminded Kenyans that registration is available through the *147# USSD code, its online platforms, SHA branches and Huduma Centres across the country.
After registering, members are required to create an account using their national identification card and a mobile phone number registered in their name before setting a confidential PIN.
They must then verify their personal information, register eligible dependants and complete a means test by providing details about their household, income and assets.
SHA will use the information submitted during the means testing process to determine each member's monthly or annual contribution before communicating the amount payable.
The latest notice comes as the authority continues to encourage informal sector workers to remain compliant with contribution requirements to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare services under the national health insurance programme.