Govt warns of 2% penalty for delay in remitting SHA premiums
By Aloys Michael, September 5, 2025The government has warned employers that they risk facing penalties should they fail to remit their monthly Social Health Authority (SHA) deductions by September 9, 2025.
In a notice dated Friday, September 5, 2025, the health authority underscored the significance of timely payment, stating that it was to ensure uninterrupted health coverage.
According to the SHA notice, employers who fail to remit their premiums by September 9, 2025, would face a penalty of 2 per cent on all unpaid SHA charges.
While calling for compliance, the SHA boss revealed that the 2 per cent penalty would be automatically imposed upon the expiry of the four-day window.
Besides the penalties, the Health Insurer noted that the non-compliant individuals would be barred from accessing healthcare services under the insurance scheme until all the premiums are paid.
“This is a reminder that SHA premiums are due by the 9th of every month. To ensure uninterrupted health coverage for your employees, please submit their premiums on time,” the notice read in part.
“A 2 per cent penalty will apply to all unpaid premiums as of midnight on the 9th. Make timely payments to avoid penalties and secure your employees’ health coverage,” the notice read.
SHA premiums payments
Kenyans facing challenges in remitting the monthly premiums were urged to directly contact the Authority through its toll-free line 147 or email.
The health insurer’s warning comes about two months after the government unveiled the Lipa SHA Pole Pole initiative to allow Kenyans in the informal sector to pay for the health insurance scheme more flexibly and simply.
Speaking on June 1, 2025, during the 62nd Madaraka Day Celebration, President William Ruto said the initiative would assist many unemployed Kenyans to access healthcare without financial hardship.
Ruto’s sentiments were backed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who hailed the programme as a practical step towards an equitable healthcare system.
“This is a significant milestone in our journey towards Universal Health Coverage. We are strengthening our promise to deliver healthcare that is accessible, flexible and inclusive,” Duale said.