SHA Paybill: How to Pay SHA Contributions via M-Pesa in 2026
To pay your SHA paybill contributions, use the official M-Pesa paybill number 200222. Open your M-Pesa menu, select “Lipa na M-Pesa,” choose “Paybill,” and enter 200222. Use your National ID Number as the account number. Enter the required amount (minimum KES 300 or 2.75% of your income), enter your PIN, and confirm. Your SHA account will be updated instantly to show you are active.
Healthcare in Kenya has undergone a massive change. The old National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has officially transitioned to the Social Health Authority (SHA). For many Kenyans, this means new rules, new rates, and a new way to pay. Whether you are self-employed in the Jua Kali sector or a formal employee, staying active on SHA is the only way to ensure you and your family can access medical care when you need it most.
Navigating government portals can sometimes feel like a maze. You might be wondering if the old NHIF paybill still works or how much you should actually send to the new system. In this 2026 guide, we break down everything you need to know about the sha paybill, from the exact steps to take on your phone to how the new percentage-based system affects your wallet.
Staying compliant is not just about following the law; it is about securing your health. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), health expenditures are a major cause of poverty for households without insurance. By using the correct paybill, you take a big step toward financial and physical security.
What Is the SHA Paybill?
The sha paybill is the official digital channel used to remit contributions to the Social Health Authority. It specifically feeds into the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Unlike the old system which had various codes, the new SHA system uses a unified number to make it easier for millions of Kenyans to pay via mobile money.
This paybill is essential for the “informal sector”—people who are not on a regular payroll. It allows you to make voluntary or mandatory contributions directly from your M-Pesa wallet.
| Feature | Details |
| Official Paybill Number | 200222 |
| Account Number | Your National ID Number |
| Minimum Monthly Amount | KES 300 |
| Contribution Rate | 2.75% of Gross Income |
| Payment Deadline | 9th of every month |
Why Kenyans Need the SHA Paybill
The transition to SHA is more than just a name change. It is part of the government’s plan for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Here is why every Kenyan needs to stay updated with their payments:
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Access to All Levels of Care: Being active on SHA allows you to visit Level 2 to Level 6 hospitals across the country.
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Fairness in Payment: The new system uses a “means-testing” model. This ensures that everyone pays a fair share based on what they earn.
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Family Protection: One contribution covers your spouse and children as dependents.
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Emergency Services: A portion of your contribution goes to the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund, which covers major health crises that used to bankrupt families.
As reported by Nation Africa, the shift to SHA seeks to bring over 12 million informal workers into the national health net. If you are a young Kenyan looking for a partner to share these life responsibilities with, you might also find the Best Online Dating Platform in kenya helpful.
Categories Related to SHA Paybill
The way you use the sha paybill depends on your employment status. The system treats different earners differently to ensure equity.
1. Salaried Employees (Formal Sector)
If you are employed, your employer is responsible for deducting 2.75% of your gross salary and remitting it. However, you might still use the paybill if you want to make additional voluntary payments or if you are checking for a domestic worker you employ.
2. Self-Employed and Informal Workers
This is where the paybill is most used. You must register on the “Afya Yangu” portal and go through means-testing. This determines if you pay the minimum KES 300 or a higher amount based on your lifestyle and assets.
3. Vulnerable Households
For those who truly cannot afford the minimum KES 300, the government has a program to identify and pay for these households. They still need to register via USSD *147# to be recognized by the system.
How to Use the SHA Paybill Correctly
To ensure your money doesn’t disappear into the wrong account, follow this checklist before you send any funds.
Payment Checklist:
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Registration First: You cannot pay if you haven’t registered. Dial *147# or visit the SHA website to sign up.
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Confirm ID: Ensure you use the ID number you used during registration as your account number.
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Amount Check: Know your exact contribution amount. If you pay less than your means-tested amount, your account might remain “Inactive.”
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Save the SMS: Always keep the M-Pesa confirmation message as proof of payment until your SHA portal reflects the update.
Costs and Requirements in Kenya 2026
The new rates are a departure from the old NHIF “flat bands.” Here is a comparison of what different earners should expect to pay via the sha paybill.
| Monthly Gross Income (KES) | SHA Contribution (2.75%) | Old NHIF Rate (Reference) |
| 0 – 10,900 | KES 300 (Minimum) | KES 500 |
| 20,000 | KES 550 | KES 750 |
| 50,000 | KES 1,375 | KES 1,200 |
| 100,000 | KES 2,750 | KES 1,700 |
| 200,000 | KES 5,500 | KES 1,700 |
As you can see, the new system is cheaper for very low earners but more expensive for high earners. This “no cap” policy has been a major topic of discussion in Business Daily Africa financial columns.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Started
Paying your health levy is simple if you follow these numbered steps:
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Open M-Pesa: Access your SIM toolkit or the M-Pesa App.
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Lipa na M-Pesa: Select this option from the menu.
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Select Paybill: Click on the “Paybill” option.
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Enter Business Number: Type 200222.
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Enter Account Number: Type your National ID Number.
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Enter Amount: Input your calculated monthly contribution (e.g., 300).
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Enter M-Pesa PIN: Input your secret code.
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Confirm Details: You will see “Social Health Authority” as the recipient. Press OK.
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Verification: You will receive a confirmation SMS. You can then dial *147# to check your active status.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many Kenyans face delays in treatment because of small payment errors. Avoid these common pitfalls:
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Using the NHIF Paybill: Many people still try to use 200222 for NHIF or old paybills.
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Solution: Ensure the recipient name shows as “Social Health Authority.”
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Incorrect Account Number: Putting your name or phone number instead of your ID.
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Solution: The system only recognizes the ID number linked to your registration.
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Paying for Someone Else Incorrectly: Trying to pay for a parent using your own ID.
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Solution: Use the parent’s ID as the account number if you are paying for them.
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Late Payments: Paying after the 9th of the month.
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Solution: Set up a “Ratiba” standing order on M-Pesa to automate the payment.
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Future Updates and Trends
The Ministry of Health is currently working on the “Lipa SHA Pole Pole” initiative. This will allow informal workers to pay their annual premiums in small daily or weekly installments rather than one large monthly sum.
According to TechCrunch Africa, Safaricom has already integrated the “Ratiba” feature which allows your sha paybill deduction to happen automatically every month without you needing to enter your PIN every time.
Reader Poll:
Do you prefer the new percentage-based (2.75%) SHA system or the old NHIF fixed rates?
A) Percentage-based (Fairer for low earners)
B) Old fixed rates (Better for high earners)
C) I’m not sure yet
D) I prefer private insurance
FAQ Section
Q: Can I use the SHA paybill if I am not registered?
A: No. If you send money before registering, the system may not be able to link the payment to your profile. Always register via *147# first.
Q: What is the minimum I can pay via M-Pesa?
A: The absolute minimum for any household in Kenya is KES 300 per month.
Q: Does my SHA paybill payment cover my whole family?
A: Yes. As long as you have added your spouse and children as dependents on the portal, your one payment covers the entire household.
Q: How do I fix a wrong payment to the SHA paybill?
A: You should contact the SHA customer care toll-free at 0800 720 601 or visit a Huduma Centre with your M-Pesa transaction code.
Q: Is there a penalty for late payments?
A: Yes. A late payment penalty of 2% of the unpaid contribution is applied if you pay after the deadline.
My Experience
When the transition from NHIF to SHA first happened, I was a bit confused. I went to a local clinic for a checkup and was told my “status was inactive.” I realized I hadn’t updated my registration to the new system.
I stood in the waiting room, dialed *147#, and followed the prompts to register. Once I got the confirmation, I used the sha paybill 200222 to pay my KES 300. Within five minutes, the hospital clerk refreshed their screen and saw me as “Active.” It was a relief to see that the digital system actually works in real-time. It made me realize that as long as you have the right information, navigating these new government changes doesn’t have to be a headache. It felt very empowering to fix my own insurance status right there on the spot.
Key Takeaways
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Official Code: The sha paybill number is 200222.
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Account ID: Use your National ID Number as the account number.
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New Rate: Contributions are now 2.75% of your gross income, with a KES 300 minimum.
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Registration: You must register via *147# or the Afya Yangu portal before paying.
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Dependents: Ensure your family is listed on your profile so they are covered by your payment.
Conclusion
The sha paybill is more than just a number; it is your gateway to the new era of healthcare in Kenya. By remitting your KES 300 or 2.75% contribution on time, you protect yourself from the high costs of medical emergencies.
As we settle into 2026, the Social Health Authority is expected to become even more efficient. Staying informed and using tools like M-Pesa Ratiba to automate your payments will save you from the “Inactive” status at the hospital door.
Have you successfully moved from NHIF to SHA? If you have questions about your specific contribution rate or how to add your children as dependents, feel free to leave a comment below!
Sources and References
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Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) – Data on household health spending.
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Social Health Authority (SHA) Official Portal – Official registration and payment guidelines.
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Business Daily Africa – Reports on health insurance reforms.
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eCitizen Kenya – Gateway for government service payments.
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Nation Africa – Updates on Universal Health Coverage rollout.
Poll Answers Note: While higher earners may find the 2.75% rate steep, the system is designed to provide better services for the majority of Kenyans who previously had no cover at all.
Social Health Authority (SHA) Registration and Payment Guide
This video is helpful because it shows you exactly what the screens look like when you use the portal and pay via M-Pesa, making it easier to follow than just reading text.
