The Social Health Authority (SHA) has released Sh3.4 billion to health facilities across the country to clear Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) claims covering a wide range of medical services.

The funds are meant to settle hospital expenses for inpatient care, drugs, mental wellness, substance abuse treatment, critical care, and surgeries.

According to the Authority, the release is part of ongoing efforts to support hospitals and ensure patients continue receiving essential services without delays.

In addition to this, SHA announced that  Sh1.09 billion has already been dispatched from the Primary Health Care Fund to boost basic medical services.

The Authority further noted that an additional Sh1.7 billion is currently being processed and will go towards dialysis, oncology, and surgical claims. SHA added that a full list of the disbursements will soon be made available on its website for public access.

The Authority also addressed questions raised online about funds allocated to certain hospitals. It clarified that Nyandiwa Level 4 Hospital received Sh19 million between January and June 2025.

The money was disbursed for inpatient long stays and maternity services, with the hospital confirming that it had received the funds.

SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi reaffirmed the Authority’s pledge to maintain timely payments, accountability, and transparency in its operations.

SHIF is a comprehensive public health insurance service established by the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023.

The programme, launched in October 2024 under SHA transitioned almost all Kenyans from the defunct NHIF to SHIF.

Unlike the NHIF, which primarily targeted the formal sector and employed individuals, SHIF aims to provide health insurance for every citizen, including those in the informal sector and vulnerable groups who have been historically underserved.

SHIF introduced a tiered contribution system that factors in the income levels of contributors.

SHIF is centred on extending coverage to the uninsured, with the minimum contribution to the scheme being determined by the means testing instruments.

Salaried NHIF members used to make contributions as per a graduated salary scale ranging from a minimum of Sh150 to a maximum of Sh1,700, but SHIF has a standard rate which will be capped at 2.75 per cent of their salary plus other side deductions that their employers are going to make to the Primary Healthcare Fund.