Social Health Authority Kenya began operations on 1 October 2024, marking a new era in Kenya’s healthcare financing. Established under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, the SHA replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to manage and expand universal healthcare through three structured schemes. It aims to provide affordable, accessible, and sustainable health insurance to all Kenyan citizens and eligible foreign residents.
The SHA is tasked with administering the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund. These funds respectively cover basic outpatient services, comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care, and critical emergency and long-term treatments. The transition from NHIF to SHA reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s health system and ensuring equity in health access for all.
The Social Health Authority Kenya functions as a state corporation under the Ministry of Health, governed by a board of directors appointed by the national government. The SHA collaborates with county governments, private health providers, and international partners to deliver on Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals. It also focuses on reducing financial burdens on households and increasing enrollment in health insurance among informal workers and low-income populations.
