Kenya's New "Lipa SHA Pole Pole" Plan: Ruto's Madaraka Day Healthcare Initiative

Kenya Launches New Payment Plan for Health Insurance: President Ruto Announces "Lipa SHA Pole Pole" at Madaraka Day Celebrations On June 1st, 2025, during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations held in Homa Bay, Kenya, President William Ruto announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving access to healthcare for all Kenyans. The initiative, called "Lipa SHA pole pole" (Pay SHA slowly), is a flexible payment plan for the annual Social Health Insurance contribution. This innovative approach allows Kenyans to remit their contributions in installments, whether daily, weekly, or monthly, based on their individual financial capabilities. President Ruto emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, "This initiative enables Kenyans to remit their annual SHA contribution through installments, whether monthly, weekly or daily." The plan directly addresses challenges faced by many Kenyans, particularly those in the informal sector, who often struggle to afford the annual payment in one lump sum. The government's partnership with mobile network operators and financial institutions will make the payment process accessible to a wider population. The "Lipa SHA pole pole" initiative is not only a financial relief measure but also a step towards strengthening the country's healthcare system. By ensuring consistent health coverage for families, the government aims to improve the overall well-being of the nation. This initiative signifies a commitment to providing affordable and accessible healthcare for all Kenyans.