How to appeal your SHA contributions if you believe the amount is too high
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 17, 2026The Social Health Authority (SHA) has outlined the process members should follow if they believe their monthly contributions have been assessed higher than they should be.
In a public notice on Friday, July 17, 2026, the authority encouraged contributors to submit a formal appeal through its USSD platform, saying the process is quick, easy, and convenient.
To lodge an appeal, members are required to dial *147# on their mobile phones, select “Kenyan Citizen”, enter their National ID number, and then choose the “Contributions Appeal” option. They will then be prompted to provide the necessary information to complete the appeal.
The appeal mechanism is designed to allow contributors to request a review of their assessed contributions if they believe the amount does not accurately reflect their income or financial circumstances.
SHA urged members to use the official appeal channel to ensure their concerns are reviewed and addressed promptly.
“It is quick, easy, and convenient. Just follow these simple steps: 1. Dial *147# on your phone. 2. Proceed with ‘Kenyan Citizen’. 3. Enter your National ID number. 4. Select ‘Contributions Appeal’ and follow the prompts provided,” reads a statement by SHA.
This becomes a time when there have been growing complaints from Kenyans who believe they have been assigned contribution rates that do not reflect their actual income.
Under the current SHA contribution framework, salaried employees have their monthly contributions calculated at 2.75 per cent of their gross monthly salary, making it relatively easy to determine how much they are required to pay.
SHA payments
However, for non-salaried members, contributions are determined based on the total monthly household income, a system that has drawn criticism from many informal sector workers.
A section of non-salaried Kenyans has complained that they are being asked to pay amounts they consider too high compared to their actual earnings. Many argue that despite earning low incomes, they have been assigned contribution rates that are beyond their financial means, prompting them to seek reviews through the SHA appeals process.
Critics have maintained that the universal health scheme should be affordable and convenient for ordinary Kenyans, particularly those in the informal sector who often have irregular incomes.
In response to such concerns, SHA has introduced a contributions appeal process, allowing members who believe their assessed contribution is inaccurate to request a review.
SHA Lipa Pole Pole
The appeal process comes as the government also prepares to roll out the SHA Lipa Pole Pole programme, an initiative aimed at easing the payment burden for non-salaried members.
The proposed programme will allow informal sector workers to make monthly instalment payments instead of paying the annual household contribution as a lump sum. Under the current arrangement, households are required to clear the full annual contribution before they can access SHA benefits, a requirement that many low-income families have said is difficult to meet.