The Social Health Authority (SHA) has enrolled more than 32 million Kenyans, but the number making payments remains far lower, with only about five million having paid their premiums by July 31, 2026.
Data presented before the National Assembly Health Committee showed that 32,180,494 people had signed up for SHA by the end of July. The figure accounts for 67.7 per cent of the country’s population.
However, only around five million registered members had made premium payments, creating a wide gap between the number of people on the SHA register and those actively contributing to the scheme.
The figures have now shifted the attention of lawmakers from registration numbers to the number of Kenyans who are making regular payments and can therefore maintain active membership.
The issue came up during a joint retreat in Mombasa involving the National Assembly Health Committee, SHA and the Digital Health Agency (DHA).
Members of the Health Committee welcomed the high number of registrations but said more needs to be done to encourage those already enrolled to contribute.
Seme MP James Nyikal, who chairs the committee, said the number of people who have signed up should not be the only measure used to assess the health insurance programme.
“Registration is not enough. We should put more energy into ensuring that more people are paying for health insurance,” Nyikal said.
The latest figures show that while SHA has managed to bring millions of Kenyans into the system, a much smaller number had paid premiums as of July 31.
This means that millions of registered members had not made payments by the time the figures were presented to MPs.
The Health Committee said increasing the number of active contributors should now receive greater attention as the government works to widen access to affordable and quality healthcare.
Pukose seeks county role in SHA drive
Endebess MP Robert Pukose said elected leaders and county governments should work more closely with SHA to help increase public understanding of the contribution requirements.
“This matter should concern all of us,” Pukose said, urging SHA to partner with leaders to educate Kenyans on the importance of paying for SHA after enrolment.
Pukose also called for greater cooperation between the Authority and county governments.
The partnership would allow SHA to work with leaders at the local level to reach more people and explain the importance of making payments after registration.
The call also comes against the backdrop of uneven registration across the country.
SHA listed Turkana, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, Mandera, Tana River, Isiolo, Narok, West Pokot and Trans Nzoia among counties where registration levels are lower.
The figures therefore point to two areas that require attention — bringing more people into the system in counties with lower registration and ensuring that those who have already enrolled remain active by making their contributions.
SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi and President William Ruto during the launch of the SHA 922 Emergency Service in Nairobi County on August 5, 2026.
PHOTO/PCS
SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi told the committee that the Authority is working on contribution arrangements that consider households whose earnings are irregular or seasonal.
The plan seeks to take into account households that may not receive the same amount of income every month and could find regular payments difficult.
The Authority is also following up on people who registered but are no longer actively covered as it seeks to raise the number of members who remain active.
Despite the registration figure reaching more than 32 million, the payment numbers show that many members still need to be brought into active contribution.
For lawmakers, the challenge is no longer simply getting Kenyans to sign up but ensuring that a larger share of those registered continue paying premiums.
The Health Committee wants SHA to step up public awareness efforts while working with county governments and elected leaders to encourage contributions.
The Authority is also expected to consider the different income patterns of households as it works to improve payment levels.
With 32.18 million people already registered, MPs want the next phase of the programme to focus on turning the large registration base into a stronger pool of active members who contribute and maintain their cover under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.