Aden Duale Insists Kenyans Will Not Lose SHA Coverage Over Missed Payments
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has moved to clarify concerns raised by Kenyans over the implementation of mandatory contributions under the Social Health Authority (SHA), insisting that no member will lose access to essential healthcare services due to late or missed payments.
In a detailed question-and-answer post shared on his official X account on Monday, November 24, 2025, Duale addressed what he described as some of the “most frequently asked” inquiries regarding the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) deductions. The CS stressed that while contributions are important, lapses will not lead to expulsion from the scheme.
Responding to a question on whether members risk removal from the SHA if they fall behind on their monthly remittances, Duale said:
“No. Members will not be removed from SHA due to a lapse in payment. Government-funded services, as well as emergency and chronic care, will remain accessible.”
He noted, however, that individuals who default for prolonged periods could miss out on certain enhanced benefits that are tied to regular contributions.
“Members are encouraged to stay current with their contributions under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to continue enjoying full benefits,” he added.
Duale’s remarks come as the government continues its nationwide rollout of the SHA framework, which replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) earlier this year. The reforms, championed by President William Ruto’s administration, aim to widen access to affordable healthcare and ensure sustainable financing of medical services.
His latest clarification follows recent assurance to lawmakers that foreign nationals residing legally in Kenya will also be eligible for SHA coverage. Appearing before the Senate on October 29, 2025, Duale said the government’s priority is to ensure universal health access for “every person within Kenyan soil,” including non-citizens with valid immigration documents.
“Foreign nationals residing in Kenya are also eligible to access healthcare services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) framework,” he told senators.
“They can use their valid immigration documents to register and pay for their SHA contributions. These documents serve as proof of identity and legal residence, ensuring that every person living in the country can be accounted for within the system.”
The CS said the inclusion of foreign residents marks a significant improvement from the now-defunct NHIF, which he argued did not sufficiently cater to non-citizen residents despite their contribution to Kenya’s economy.
The Ministry of Health is expected to release additional guidelines on SHA regulations in the coming weeks as part of efforts to streamline the transition and address public concerns.
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Aden Duale Insists Kenyans Will Not Lose SHA Coverage Over Missed Payments