SHIF Contribution Calculator Kenya (2025)

Kenya's healthcare system has transitioned from NHIF to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Our calculator instantly computes your mandatory monthly contribution based on the new 2.75% rate. Enter your gross salary to see how much you will pay.

Your basic pay plus regular monthly allowances. Do not include one-off bonuses.

Important Note on Tax Relief

As of late 2024, KRA guidance indicates that insurance relief does not apply to SHIF contributions. This calculator does not factor in any tax relief.

Your SHIF Contribution

Your Monthly SHIF Contribution 0 KSh

Annual Projection

Assuming this salary remains constant, your estimated total annual contribution will be 0 KSh.

Impact on Your Payslip (Estimate)

This gives a simplified view. For a full breakdown including PAYE, Housing Levy, and NSSF, use our complete Salary Calculator.

Late Payment Penalty Calculator

Forgot to remit on time? Use this simple tool to calculate the penalty for late SHIF contributions. The penalty is 2% of the unpaid amount for each month it remains unpaid.

Penalty Due 0 KSh
Total Amount to Pay Now 0 KSh

The New SHIF Rates (Formerly NHIF) For 2025

Kenya's healthcare system swapped the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) on October 1, 2024. This new system, established by the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023, aims to provide universal healthcare access for all Kenyans. Let's break down what this means for your monthly contributions.

What are the SHIF Contribution Rates?

The new SHIF rates are set at a flat 2.75% of your income. This is a major change from the old NHIF system, which used fixed contribution amounts based on salary brackets.

  • For Salaried Employees: You will contribute 2.75% of your gross monthly salary. Your employer deducts this from your paycheck and remits it by the 9th of the following month.
  • For Non-Salaried Households: You will contribute 2.75% of your annual household income.

A key feature of SHIF is that there is a minimum contribution of KES 300 per month, but no maximum cap. This means higher earners will contribute significantly more than they did under NHIF.

How SHIF Compares to NHIF

The old NHIF system used income brackets with a maximum contribution of KES 1,700 for those earning over KES 100,000. SHIF's 2.75% rate scales directly with income. This means low-income earners might pay less, while high-income earners will pay more.

SHIF vs. NHIF Rate Comparison
Monthly Income (KES) Old NHIF Rate (KES) New SHIF Rate (KES)
10,000400300 (minimum)
30,000850825
50,0001,2001,375
80,0001,6002,200
100,0001,7002,750
200,0001,7005,500

What Do SHIF Contributions Cover?

Your contributions are allocated into three distinct funds to provide comprehensive health coverage:

  1. The Primary Healthcare Fund: Financed by the government to cover services at local health centers (Level 2 and 3 facilities).
  2. The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF): This is where your 2.75% contribution goes. It covers services at Level 4 to Level 6 hospitals.
  3. The Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund: Also funded by the government, this provides coverage for costly treatments like cancer or emergency care after your SHIF benefits are exhausted.

SHIF Registration and Deadlines

Registration for SHIF began in July 2024, with the system becoming operational on October 1, 2024. All Kenyans are required to register. You can pre-register online via the SHA website or by using the USSD code *147#, after which you must visit an authorized agent for biometric verification to activate your account.

SHIF RATES AND RULES 2025

The Social Health Insurance Act of 2023 introduced a new framework for health contributions in Kenya. Here is a clear breakdown of the official parameters.

SHIF Contribution Rules
Parameter Official Rate/Limit Explanation
Contribution Rate 2.75% of Gross Income Applied to gross salary for the employed.
Minimum Contribution KES 300 per month The floor amount payable by any contributor.
Maximum Contribution No Cap There is no upper limit on the contribution amount.
Employer Contribution 0% This is an employee-only deduction.
Remittance Deadline 9th of the next month For payroll deductions by employers.
Late Payment Penalty 2% per month A penalty on the outstanding contribution amount.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new SHIF contribution rate?

The SHIF contribution rate is a flat 2.75% of your gross monthly salary if you are employed. For non-salaried individuals, it is 2.75% of the annual household income.

How is SHIF different from NHIF?

SHIF replaces NHIF's tiered bracket system with a flat 2.75% rate on income. Unlike NHIF, which had a maximum contribution of KES 1,700, SHIF has no upper cap. SHIF also splits funds into three categories: Primary Healthcare, Social Health Insurance, and Emergency/Chronic Illness.

Is there a maximum amount I will pay for SHIF?

No, there is no maximum cap on SHIF contributions for salaried employees. The 2.75% rate applies to your entire gross salary. The more you earn, the more you contribute.

What if I am self-employed? How do I pay for SHIF?

If you are self-employed, you will contribute 2.75% of your annual household income. There is a minimum contribution equivalent to KES 300 per month (KES 3,600 annually). You declare your income and pay directly to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Does my employer also contribute to my SHIF?

No, the SHIF contribution is an employee-only deduction. Your employer is responsible for deducting the 2.75% from your gross salary and remitting it to the SHA, but they do not make a matching contribution.

What is the minimum SHIF contribution?

The minimum monthly contribution for all Kenyans is KES 300. If 2.75% of your gross salary is less than KES 300, you will still contribute the minimum amount of KES 300.

Does SHIF have tax relief like NHIF did?

As of late 2024, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has not approved insurance relief for SHIF contributions. Unlike the previous NHIF relief, you cannot claim tax relief on your SHIF payments until the law is updated and KRA provides new guidance.

When are SHIF payments due and what's the penalty for being late?

For salaried employees, contributions must be remitted by the 9th day of the following month. Late payments attract a penalty of 2% of the unpaid amount for every month or part of the month it remains unpaid.