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Quick answer
Non-salaried households contribute annually, payable 14 days before the contribution lapses, with premium financing available to pay in intervals as income allows. Salaried households contribute monthly through their employer, deducted and remitted by the 9th of each month.
Key things to know
- Non-salaried households contribute annually, not monthly, at 2.75% of assessed household income.
- Non-salaried contributions are payable 14 days before the annual contribution lapses.
- Premium financing lets non-salaried persons pay in intervals as income becomes available.
- Salaried households are deducted 2.75% of gross salary monthly, remitted by the employer by the 9th.
What this means
SHA premium payment works differently depending on whether you're salaried or not, and understanding which category you fall into clears up most payment confusion.
Non-salaried households: an annual contribution
For non-salaried households, the contribution is set annually at 2.75% of household income as determined through means testing, with a minimum of KSh 300 a month. This is payable 14 days before the annual contribution lapses, which is a useful date to track so cover doesn't lapse unexpectedly.
Premium financing: paying in intervals
Not every household has the full annual amount available at once. Premium financing is provided for non-salaried persons so they can pay in intervals as income becomes available, rather than needing the whole year's contribution in a single payment.
Salaried households: monthly through the employer
For salaried households, the process looks different. The employer deducts 2.75% of gross salary or wage each month and remits it, with a minimum contribution of KSh 300 a month. This remittance is due by the 9th of each month.
Why knowing your category matters
A lot of payment confusion comes from applying the wrong category's rules to your situation — for example expecting a monthly deduction when you're on the annual non-salaried track, or wondering why nothing is showing when your employer hasn't yet remitted by the 9th.
Why you may be seeing it
- You're not sure whether your contribution is annual or monthly.
- You want to know the deadline before your cover lapses.
- You've heard of 'premium financing' and want to know what it means.
Common situations
Common scenario
Annual deadline approaching
A non-salaried household needs to understand that their contribution is due 14 days before it lapses, rather than assuming a monthly deduction will happen automatically.
Common scenario
Paying in instalments
A household that cannot pay the full annual amount at once looks into premium financing to pay in intervals as their income allows.
What information may matter
- Whether you're on the salaried or non-salaried contribution track
- The date your current annual contribution is due to lapse, if non-salaried
- Whether your employer's monthly remittance is up to date, if salaried
What you can check
- Confirm whether you are classified as salaried or non-salaried for contribution purposes.
- If non-salaried, note when your annual contribution is due to lapse.
- If salaried, check that your employer's deductions are being remitted by the 9th each month.
- Ask about premium financing if paying the full annual amount at once isn't realistic for you.
Common mistakes
- Expecting a monthly deduction when you're on the non-salaried annual track.
- Waiting until the contribution lapses instead of paying 14 days ahead.
- Not knowing premium financing exists as an option to pay in intervals.
When assistance may be useful
If your payment situation feels unclear or your premium doesn't match what you expected, SHA Desk can help you understand what applies to your situation.
WhatsApp SHA DeskCommon questions
Is SHA premium paid monthly or annually?
It depends on your category. Non-salaried households contribute annually; salaried households are deducted monthly through their employer.
What is premium financing?
It's a provision allowing non-salaried persons to pay their annual contribution in intervals as income becomes available, rather than all at once.
When must my employer remit my contribution?
By the 9th of each month, after deducting 2.75% of gross salary or wage, subject to the KSh 300 monthly minimum.
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