The government has issued a stern warning to employers, cautioning them against delays in remitting Social Health Authority (SHA) premiums. In a notice released on Friday, September 5, 2025, the Authority emphasized that all monthly deductions must be submitted by September 9, 2025, to avoid penalties.
According to SHA, employers who miss the deadline will incur a 2 per cent penalty on all unpaid charges. The surcharge will be imposed automatically once the four-day grace period lapses.
“This is a reminder that SHA premiums are due by the 9th of every month. To ensure uninterrupted health coverage for your employees, please submit their premiums on time. A 2 per cent penalty will apply to all unpaid premiums as of midnight on the 9th,” the Authority’s notice read in part.
Beyond the financial consequences, the Health Insurer warned that non-compliant employers and individuals risk having their employees barred from accessing healthcare services under the scheme until outstanding payments are cleared.
The SHA urged employers and contributors experiencing challenges with remittances to seek assistance through its toll-free line 147 or via email.
The reminder comes barely two months after the government launched the Lipa SHA Pole Pole initiative, a flexible payment plan targeting Kenyans in the informal sector. The scheme, unveiled by President William Ruto on June 1, 2025, during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations, was designed to ease the financial burden of healthcare contributions.
“This initiative will help millions of Kenyans, especially those unemployed or self-employed, to access healthcare without facing financial hardship,” President Ruto said during the launch.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also welcomed the programme, describing it as a major step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“This is a significant milestone in our journey towards Universal Health Coverage. We are strengthening our promise to deliver healthcare that is accessible, flexible and inclusive,” Duale noted.
With the September 9 deadline fast approaching, the government is urging employers to prioritize timely compliance to safeguard their employees’ health coverage and avoid unnecessary penalties.
