SHA to have a 'Lipa pole pole' plan for flexible payment terms; Ruto announces

Speaking during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay County on Sunday, President Ruto said that LIPA SHA POLE POLE or LIPA SHA MOS MOS will be the solution to address persistent challenges, including irregular premiums and other contributions among informal sector workers.

"This initiative enables Kenyans to remit their annual SHA contributions through flexible, manageable instalments, whether monthly, weekly or even daily based on their financial ability," he said.

Through the new payment model, Ruto said that families can continue to receive continuous health coverage without financial strain while simultaneously promoting the sustainability of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

President Ruto expressed confidence that the model will now allow more Kenyans to enrol in the new healthcare system, noting that 1.7 million informal sector households have so far enrolled in SHA.

"I urge every Kenyan to take charge of their health by enrolling with SHA, so that together we can end the heartbreaking cycle where families are forced to auction their livestock, sell their land, or part with their life’s possessions just to afford medical care," Ruto added.

"Let us unite to build a healthcare system rooted in dignity, equality, and compassion; a system where access to care is a right, not a privilege for a few."

The model was created through a partnership between the Ministries of Health, Cooperatives and MSMEs, mobile network operators and financial institutions.

This comes amid concerns of low SHA contributions from the informal sector.

Capped at 2.75% in monthly deductions, the new health fund has been scrutinized by experts, urging the government to lower premium rates or improve the broader economic environment to enable more Kenyans to afford the contributions.