President William Ruto has launched a new health insurance payment model dubbed “Lipa SHA Pole Pole”, aimed at easing access to healthcare for Kenyans in the informal sector.
Speaking during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay County, President Ruto announced that the government will allow contributors to the Social Health Authority (SHA) to pay their annual premiums in flexible installments—daily, weekly, or monthly—depending on individual financial capabilities.
“We are introducing an innovative and inclusive payment solution called Lipa SHA Pole Pole, or Lipa Musmos,” Ruto said. “This initiative enables Kenyans to remit their annual SHA contributions through manageable installments based on their financial ability.”
The president explained that the move is designed to remove the burden of lump-sum payments, especially for informal sector workers and low-income households, ensuring that every Kenyan maintains uninterrupted health coverage.
Partnerships Powering the Program
The rollout of Lipa SHA Pole Pole is the result of a multi-agency partnership involving the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs, mobile network operators, and financial institutions, with support from the Hustler Fund.
“The system is simple and accessible,” the president added. “Citizens can dial *147# and follow the prompts to enroll and begin their contributions immediately.”
Progress of SHA in Numbers
Ruto reported significant strides made under the new Social Health Authority framework. Over the past eight months, the government has paid out Ksh 43 billion in claims to accredited health facilities, benefiting approximately 4.5 million Kenyans with fully covered treatment.
He also confirmed that 1.4 million informal sector households have successfully enrolled in SHA, signaling growing public confidence in the reformed health insurance scheme.
“Word is beginning to get out throughout the nation that SHA is working. Which means that the transition challenges and the teething problems are now behind us, and the UHC is now serving Kenyans and leaving no one behind,” said the president.
A Step Forward for Universal Health Coverage
The Lipa SHA Pole Pole scheme forms part of broader reforms under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, which seeks to ensure every Kenyan can access quality healthcare services without financial hardship.
President Ruto emphasized that the initiative is not only a step toward more inclusive health coverage, but also a strategy for sustaining the long-term viability of the national health insurance program.
