NHIF to SHIF Transition Guide 2026 | Eliteways Insurance Agency

The NHIF to SHA/SHIF Transition: What You Need to Know

NHIF to SHIF Transition Guide 2026 | Eliteways Insurance Agency

In October 2024, Kenya set out on a pioneering path to revolutionize its health services by adopting the Social Health Authority (SHA) in place of the existing National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). This move aims to ensure that health services are available to all Kenyans.

This new arrangement utilizes the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). In contrast to the NHIF's three-tier payment system, SHIF employs a proportional payment method where the salary portion paid is 2.75%. However, for the informal workers, means testing is used to determine contributions, starting at KES 300 per month.

SHA runs three different types of funds, namely, the Primary Healthcare Fund, which caters to preventive medicine; the SHIF, which covers regular healthcare needs; and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund, which deals with major health risks. All Kenyans are required to be registered. At Elite Ways, we aim to assist you in this process, ensuring that your family is well-covered by the newly established "Taifa Care.