The Social Health Authority (SHA) has appointed six banks as the official accounts for collecting employer contributions.
These banks include Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Sidian Bank, Co-operative Bank, Equity Bank, ABSA, and Diamond Trust Bank.
Abdi Mohamed, the chairperson of the SHA, which was established to manage the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) stated that employers have shown a preference for these six banks for their remittances.
“We spoke to employers who told us where they prefer to be making the payments from and ensured that the banks are first approved and licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
“We also have our own paybill number for individuals who wish to pay via M-PESA by following these steps to help flatten the curve. Generate the eSlip number, use M-Pesa paybill, 200222 to pay,” he explained.
Concerns have been expressed regarding the rationale behind processing remittances through a separate pay bill rather than utilizing the unified government pay bill introduced by President William Ruto.
“The government single paybill and even e-Citizen are still marred by a number of challenges which we did not want to derail us,” Abdi said.
SHIF was established under the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023, aimed at providing comprehensive health coverage to residents.
It replaces the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), enhancing access to affordable healthcare services.
Contributors, who pay 2.75% of their gross income, can include family members as beneficiaries.
SHIF covers a wide range of services, including outpatient care, maternity, chronic illness management, and emergency services.
It emphasizes financial protection and equity in healthcare access for all Kenyans.