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Quick answer
Means testing is the instrument SHA uses to assess a non-salaried household's socio-economic situation — covering housing, access to basic services and household composition — to estimate household income. That estimate is then used to set the contribution at 2.75% of assessed income, with a minimum of KSh 300 a month.
Key things to know
- Means testing collects data on housing, access to basic services and household composition.
- This data is used to estimate household income for the purpose of setting the premium.
- The contribution rate is 2.75% of assessed income, never less than KSh 300 per month.
- SHA carries out means testing reviews of non-salaried households from time to time.
What this means
Means testing is the underlying process that turns a household's real-life circumstances into a premium figure. Understanding what it looks at helps explain why two households can end up with very different contributions.
What the instrument actually looks at
The means testing instrument gathers socio-economic data about a household — including housing characteristics, access to basic services, and household composition and characteristics. These details are used together to estimate how much income a household has available, since many non-salaried households don't have a single documented salary figure.
This is why the premium can look different from one household to another even in similar-seeming situations — small differences in housing or household makeup feed into the estimate.
From assessment to a contribution figure
Once household income is estimated through means testing, the contribution is calculated at 2.75% of that assessed income. There's a floor built into the system: the contribution is never less than KSh 300 per month, regardless of how low the estimated income is.
This means the KSh 300 monthly minimum applies even to households whose estimated income would otherwise produce a lower figure.
Reviews over time
Household circumstances change — people move, housing situations shift, household composition grows or shrinks. SHA conducts means testing reviews of non-salaried households from time to time to account for this, rather than leaving an assessment fixed indefinitely.
This is part of why it's worth periodically checking whether the information behind your premium still reflects your household.
Why this matters for premium questions
Most questions about why a premium is 'too high' or 'doesn't make sense' trace back to this instrument. Understanding what it measures is the starting point for figuring out whether a review, reduction, or appeal is the relevant next step for your situation.
Why you may be seeing it
- You want to understand why your premium is the figure it is.
- You're comparing your premium to someone else's and the difference seems unexplained.
- You're deciding whether to request a review of your household data.
Common situations
Common scenario
Comparing with a neighbour
Two households living nearby end up with different premiums because their housing details and household composition, as recorded, differ in ways that affect the income estimate.
Common scenario
Minimum contribution applies
A household with very limited income still ends up paying the KSh 300 monthly minimum, since the system does not go below that floor.
What information may matter
- What housing and household details may be linked to your assessment
- Whether your household composition has changed since you were last assessed
- Your current premium figure compared to the KSh 300 monthly minimum
What you can check
- Think about whether your housing situation has changed since your last assessment.
- Consider whether your household composition today matches what was recorded.
- Confirm whether your current premium is at or above the KSh 300 monthly minimum.
- Ask when your household was last reviewed under means testing.
Common mistakes
- Assuming means testing is based only on income, when housing and household composition also matter.
- Not realising the KSh 300 monthly minimum applies regardless of how low estimated income is.
- Never requesting a review even though circumstances have changed significantly.
When assistance may be useful
If you're trying to make sense of your means testing result, SHA Desk can help you understand what applies to your situation and whether a review makes sense.
WhatsApp SHA DeskCommon questions
What exactly does means testing look at?
It looks at a household's housing characteristics, access to basic services, and household composition and characteristics, using these to estimate household income.
Is there a minimum premium under means testing?
Yes. The contribution is never less than KSh 300 per month, even for households with a very low estimated income.
Does means testing ever get redone?
Yes. SHA carries out means testing reviews of non-salaried households from time to time.
Official sources & references
Official procedures, requirements and benefits are set by the relevant authorities and can change.
By SHA Desk · Managed by Cyber Kenya
Published 7 October 2026. SHA Desk is an independent assistance service — not SHA, the Digital Health Agency or a government office. About SHA Desk