MP Kibagendi slams annual SHA charges, says poor Kenyans can’t afford it
By Cynthia Lodite, September 15, 2025Kitutu Chache South Constituency Member of Parliament, Antony Kibagendi has raised an alarm over the government’s implementation of the annual Social Health Authority payment by Kenyans, particularly to the low-income earners.
According to the Member of Parliament, the annual payment model is ineffective, as not many Kenyans can afford the yearly payment method.
He made his remarks on Monday, September 15, 2025, during an interview with a local media house, where he challenged the Social Health Insurance benefit.
“Why are we pushing Kenyans to pay for a whole year, particularly Kenyans who cannot afford it?” Kibagendi said.
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On his part, the Kitutu Chache South Member of Parliament argues that Social Health Authority benefits are inferior to what NHIF used to give to Kenyans.
“SHA benefits are inferior to what NHIF used to give; we have to be practical with this,” Kibagendi added.
Health PS remarks on annual payment.
His remarks follow an explanation of the annual Social Health Insurance plan by the Public Health PS, Mary Muthoni, who defended the government’s decision to introduce annual contributions to the Social Health Authority, stating it is aimed at ensuring continuous healthcare access for all Kenyans.
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Public Health PS Mary Muthoni said the shift from monthly to annual payments is intended to secure uninterrupted coverage, particularly for non-salaried individuals who may experience income disruptions.
“Paying annually in advance guarantees that beneficiaries continue receiving services, even if they face temporary financial hardship due to illness or loss of income,” she said.
Muthoni was speaking during a public participation forum at Murang’a University of Technology.
“If someone pays for only a few months and then becomes unable to continue, they may be denied services and end up blaming SHA for not working,” Muthoni added.
At the time, the PS emphasised that universal healthcare access can only be realised if every Kenyan makes their required contributions.
“If we all pay our share, no one will be turned away from healthcare services,” she stated.
To ease the burden of the lump-sum annual payment, which is set at 2.75 percent of the household income, Kenyans can borrow from the Hustler Fund at zero interest.
“Let’s say your annual contribution is Sh7,200 and you can’t afford to pay it all at once. The government has made it possible to borrow the amount interest-free and repay it gradually, whether daily, weekly, or monthly,” Muthoni said.