The Social Health Authority (SHA) has unveiled a new contribution refund system for Kenyans who have overpaid their premiums, particularly those using mobile money payment options. SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi announced the initiative on Thursday, aimed at simplifying refund processes for members affected by overpayments.
To access the refunds, members will be required to submit specific documents. These include a copy of their mobile money transaction statements, a national ID card or passport, and a letter addressed to the SHA CEO. Submissions can be sent via email or delivered in person at the nearest SHA County Office or Huduma Centre.
SHA has emphasized the importance of ensuring all submitted documents are clear and legible. Refunds will only be processed after the verification of the provided details, Mwangangi added. Members experiencing challenges with the process are encouraged to visit SHA offices or contact the authority directly via the toll-free number 147.
SHA premiums are mandatory contributions to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), calculated at 2.75% of household income. For salaried employees, the minimum contribution is Ksh300. The introduction of this refund system comes as part of the authority’s efforts to improve service delivery and ensure transparency in handling member contributions.
The launch coincides with renewed scrutiny of the health sector by county governments. The Council of Governors (CoG) has criticized SHA and the Ministry of Health over delays in disbursing funds to counties, which has left public hospitals with a debt of Ksh32 billion and strained health services. Governors have also raised concerns over decisions affecting counties, such as upgrading hospitals from Level 5 to Level 6, which, while beneficial for service delivery, come with financial and operational consequences.
SHA’s new refund system aims to restore confidence among members and address past inefficiencies in premium management, offering Kenyans a streamlined avenue to reclaim overpaid contributions.
