SHA warns employers: Pay health contributions or face jail, penalties
Under the law, all employers including the national and county governments are required to register with the Social Health Authority.
Employers have been directed to remit monthly health insurance contributions on or before the 9th of each month, as the Social Health Authority begins strict enforcement of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023.
Under the law, all employers including the national and county governments are required to register with the Social Health Authority, enrol their employees and their dependants, and make timely monthly contributions.
Failure to comply will attract penalties, legal action, and possible disruption of health services for employees.
According to Section 27(1) of the Act, every employer operating in Kenya is obligated to contribute to the Social Health Insurance Fund.
Section 27(6) further states: "Any person who fails to pay any contribution in respect of any period on or before the day on which payment is due shall be liable to a penalty equal to two per cent of the amount due for contribution for the period which the contribution remains unpaid and the total annual contributions."
In a statement, the Authority said, "Not paying contributions to the Social Health Insurance Fund without a valid reason is an offense."
Offenders risk fines of up to two million shillings or imprisonment for up to three years.
Employers who do not comply may also face financial penalties, and their staff could lose access to essential health services.
The Authority has advised all employers to register through the SHA Employer Portal at https://employers.sha.go.ke/registration/corporate, ensure all employee details are accurate, and encourage staff to add their dependants to the system.
For any challenges with registration, compliance, or remittance, SHA has provided a toll-free line (147), the website www.sha.go.ke, and an email address ([email protected]) for assistance.
