Career advice ยท Updated November 2026
SHA Contributions for Self-Employed Workers in Kenya: Means Testing and Lipa Pole Pole
SHA contributions for self-employed people in Kenya are 2.75% of household income, worked out through the Social Health Authority’s means-testing process, with a minimum of KSh 300 per month. Unlike salaried workers, whose employers deduct SHIF from payroll, self-employed and informal-sector workers register themselves, complete an online income self-assessment, receive an annual premium, and pay it directly, either in full or in instalments through the Lipa SHA Pole Pole plan.
Checked on 7 November 2026 against the Social Health Authority’s premium rates, means testing and Lipa Pole Pole pages.
Tier 1 and Tier 2: where you fit
SHA runs a two-tier contribution system for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF):
- Tier 1, salaried individuals. Employers deduct 2.75% of gross salary and remit it to SHA.
- Tier 2, non-salaried individuals. People outside formal employment contribute 2.75% of household income, determined through means testing.
The minimum contribution is KSh 300 per month for everyone, and SHA says there is no upper limit for any group. If you are both employed and running a side business, your payroll deduction covers your salary; ask SHA how your other income is treated. Our explainer on NSSF, SHIF and the Housing Levy covers the salaried side.
How means testing works
SHA describes means testing as a way of working out what a person can afford to pay. The Means Testing Instrument collects information about your household, including income, employment, dependants and other socio-economic details. For informal-sector workers such as small business owners, farmers and gig workers, income is determined through a self-assessment on afyayangu.go.ke:
- you fill in a short online form about your income and household;
- the system assesses your ability to pay;
- it gives you a customised annual premium, which is what you contribute to SHA.
Answer honestly and keep records of your income. An accurate assessment protects you if your contribution is ever reviewed.
Paying with Lipa SHA Pole Pole
For non-salaried members who cannot pay a lump sum, SHA offers Lipa SHA Pole Pole, an instalment plan integrated with the Hustler Fund through an insurance premium financing product. According to SHA:
- you pay the first four months’ premium upfront;
- the remaining balance is repaid daily, weekly or monthly by mobile phone, via M-PESA Ratiba or by dialling *147# or *254#;
- there is no interest or extra charge;
- full annual cover begins on enrolment.
To be eligible you must be a non-salaried Kenyan resident registered with SHA, have completed means testing and received your annual premium, and have no pending SHA arrears. SHA says Hustler Fund or Bridge loan holders still qualify unless a loan is more than 45 days overdue. To sign up, pay the four-month upfront amount via M-PESA Paybill 200222 with your ID number as the account, or dial *147# or *254# and select Lipa Pole Pole, then follow the prompts.
Step by step for self-employed workers
- Register with SHA using your ID through the official SHA channels.
- Complete means testing on afyayangu.go.ke to get your annual premium.
- Choose how to pay: monthly, annually, or through Lipa SHA Pole Pole.
- Keep paying on time. Arrears can affect access to cover and eligibility for instalment plans.
- Check your status on SHA’s eligibility service before you visit a hospital.
Budgeting for your SHA contribution
Because your premium is annual, set aside money in good months. A simple method is to divide the annual premium by twelve and move that amount into a separate savings account or M-PESA lock savings each month. Seasonal earners such as farmers can plan payments around harvest income, while gig workers can set a fixed percentage aside from each payment received.
Health cover is one part of protecting your income as a self-employed person. Saving for retirement is another; our guide to NSSF Haba Haba for the self-employed explains how to contribute to NSSF without an employer.
If you hire people
If your business grows and you employ staff, you become a Tier 1 employer for them and must deduct and remit their contributions. Our guide on how to register as an employer with NSSF, SHA, KRA and NITA walks through the registrations.
Common questions from self-employed members
What if my income changes? Means testing gives an annual premium based on the information you provide. If your circumstances change significantly, contact SHA through its official channels to ask how to update your assessment rather than simply stopping payments.
Does my family need separate contributions? Means testing looks at household income and household details, including dependants. Make sure your household members are recorded correctly when you register so they can use the cover.
What if I fall behind? Lipa SHA Pole Pole requires no pending SHA arrears to join, and SHA says repayments under the plan must be made within 30 days of each instalment. Failure to repay may affect eligibility for future digital financial services. If you are struggling, contact SHA early rather than letting arrears build.
Where do I get help? SHA lists a toll-free number, 0800 720 601, and branches across the country. Use these official channels for questions about SHA contributions for self-employed members, and avoid sharing your ID or PIN details with unofficial agents.
Records to keep
- your SHA registration confirmation and member number;
- the annual premium shown after means testing;
- M-PESA confirmations for every payment;
- a simple income record, such as a notebook or spreadsheet of monthly sales and expenses.
Good records also help with KRA filing and with loan applications, so they serve your business beyond health cover.
SHA contributions for self-employed workers: quick summary
Register, complete means testing, pay 2.75% of assessed household income with a KSh 300 monthly minimum, and use Lipa SHA Pole Pole if you need instalments. Use only official SHA channels, including the toll-free line 0800 720 601, and never pay agents who promise a lower premium.
Frequently asked questions
How much do self-employed people pay to SHA?
2.75% of household income as determined by means testing, with a minimum of KSh 300 per month and no upper limit.
How is my SHA premium calculated if I am not salaried?
Through a self-assessment on afyayangu.go.ke, where the Means Testing Instrument gives you an annual premium.
Can I pay SHA in instalments?
Yes, through Lipa SHA Pole Pole: four months upfront, then daily, weekly or monthly repayments with no interest, via *147# or *254#.
Who qualifies for Lipa SHA Pole Pole?
Non-salaried Kenyan residents registered with SHA who have completed means testing and have no pending SHA arrears.