MPs call for review of SHA pay slip deductions
The legislators have cited unreliable systems and poor services as the major reasons for the review adding that the new health scheme has subjected Kenyans to a lot of suffering.

Members of Parliament have now called for a review of the 2.75 per cent deduction from worker’s income for the Social Health Insurance Fund.
The legislators have cited unreliable systems and poor services as the major reasons for the review adding that the new health scheme has subjected Kenyans to a lot of suffering.
According to the MPs, despite the hefty deductions they are not receiving services worth the payments being made compared to the previous scheme.
“Having tested the system, we need to reduce the 2.75 per cent gross income contribution because we have seen what we can do. People with payslips are suffering and we cannot continue like this. We need to do something,” Kabondo Kasipul MP Eva Obara stated.
Eva’s proposal was supported by other lawmakers who said that they are still being called to hospital bill fundraisers despite enhanced contributions by their constituents.
Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu said the time is ripe for review as they have seen the deficiencies of SHA.
“Everyone has now realized that so much is being collected but the services are not commensurate. They are saying it is time for review,” Makali said.
The lawmakers stated that people are questioning the value of their money adding that the salaried people are affected most as they are left with no disposable income after all deductions are made.
Even though a specific review of the percentage has not been given, the lawmakers urged that it should be reduced with a cap being placed on the contributions.
According to Kitui rural MP David Mwalika, the percentage should be reduced to one per cent as Kenyans are already overtaxed.
“It is time to review it. It is not worth the 2.75 per cent cut. Why should the government overtax people just because they are employed?” Mwalika stated.
“Why should I be deducted Sh360,000 per year for something that I’m not going to use? It is okay they are telling us that it is for the benefit of the poor Kenyans, but they are also not benefitting from it as they are coming to us for help. They are being turned away by the hospitals,” he added.
“I do not have a problem with the deductions being made. It is for the good of my constituents but they are not benefitting from it as I’m being called to fundraise for medical appeals,” Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo stated.
The legislators wondered what is of the small hospitals if the system fails in a national referral hospital like Kenyatta National Hospital.
‘If the system is not working at a referral hospital like KNH which is the heart of the country. What else is working? Gisairo questioned.
Marakwet West MP Timothy Kipchumba said Kenyans must get value for their money in the new system.
“We are not against the system as long as it serves Kenyans and does not frustrate them,” Kipchumba stated.
National Assembly Minority leader and Suba North MP called for the return of NHIF if the new system fails to work in the next six months.
The MPs are set to probe the Sh104 billion SHA system that is not fully in place.
The enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act 2023 saw the disbandment of NHIF with SHA taking over to manage the three funds; primary healthcare, emergency and chronic illness, and critical illness.
During their retreat in Naivasha, the lawmakers expressed frustrations over the system as they met with Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, SHA Acting Chief Executive Officer Robert Ingasira, and Board Chairman Abdi Mohamed.
The MPs raised concerns over the implementation of the health plan.
They lamented the suffering of many patients turned away from hospitals despite being registered due to system downtimes and lengthy pre-approval processes.
They demanded a full list of hospitals contracted under the SHA and a report on the feasibility study conducted before the system was introduced.
They also sought explanations for the scheme’s poor implementation, including delays in approving patient claims, and called for clarity on the specific services covered by SHA.
The National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula gave directions for the health committee to meet with the MOH and SHA representatives then give a report regarding the matters raised by the lawmakers when the parliament resumes.
SHA which the Ruto administration is banking on to transform the country’s health system, has been mired in controversy after the claims processing system failed.
Various hospitals across the country have reported delays in getting pre-approvals for surgeries and other critical procedures, leaving many patients to seek treatment in pain or pay in cash.
Some health facilities have also pointed out that they are forced to wait weeks for claims to be processed.