Patrick Buyela - Kenya Payroll Authority
Expert Verified by Patrick Buyela, Payroll Specialist · Updated March 2026

SHIF Calculator Kenya (2026)

Calculate your exact Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) contributions. Fully updated for 2026, our tool computes the mandatory 2.75% uncapped deduction enforced by the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Employee Earnings
KES

Pro Tip: SHIF contributions are now an allowable deduction for PAYE calculations. This means they reduce your taxable income.

Deduction Breakdown
Base Monthly Gross
KES 0
SHIF Statutory Deduction2.75% Flat Rate
- KES 0
Total SHA Remittance
KES 0

Understanding SHIF: The New Health Insurance Fund in Kenya

The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) officially replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in 2024. Managed by the Social Health Authority (SHA), the fund aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across Kenya. Unlike the previous tiered NHIF system, SHIF uses a flat-rate model based on the Ministry of Health's revised guidelines.

How the 2.75% SHIF Deduction is Calculated

Our SHIF Calculator Kenya applies a strict 2.75% rate to your total gross monthly earnings. This includes your basic salary and all taxable allowances (house, car, commuter, etc.).

Statutory SHIF Compliance Table (2026)

Category Rate (%) Earnings Cap Minimum Amount
Salaried Employees 2.75% None (Uncapped) KES 300
Self-Employed 2.75% Proportional to Income KES 300
Government Matching 0% N/A N/A

Important: SHIF as an Allowable Deduction

One of the most significant updates for employees using a net salary calculator is that SHIF is an allowable deduction. This means the SHIF amount is subtracted from your gross pay before the 2026 KRA tax bands are applied, resulting in a slightly lower income tax (PAYE) liability.

SHIF Kenya: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between NHIF and SHIF?
NHIF used a tiered bracket system (e.g., KES 1,700 for high earners), while SHIF is a flat rate of 2.75% of your gross pay. More importantly, SHIF is uncapped, meaning higher earners pay more proportionally.
2. Is there a maximum limit for SHIF contributions?
No. Under the Social Health Insurance Act, the deduction is uncapped. Whether you earn KES 100,000 or KES 1,000,000, you will be deducted exactly 2.75% of your gross income.
3. What is the minimum contribution to SHIF?
The minimum contribution for any registered individual, including those with low or zero income, is set at KES 300 per month.
4. Do I need to re-register with SHA?
Yes. Every Kenyan is required to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) even if they were previously NHIF members. This can be done via the official SHA website or via USSD code *222#.
5. Does my employer match my SHIF contribution?
Unlike NSSF or the Housing Levy, SHIF is solely an employee deduction. The employer does not have a statutory requirement to match the 2.75%.
6. How does SHIF impact my net take-home pay?
SHIF significantly reduces the net pay of high earners compared to the old NHIF. However, since it is an allowable deduction, it provides a small amount of PAYE tax relief.
7. When is the deadline for filing SHIF returns?
Employers must remit SHIF deductions to the Social Health Authority by the 9th day of the following month, matching the deadlines for PAYE and NSSF.

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Quick Answer

How much is SHIF in Kenya in 2026?

SHIF in Kenya is 2.75% of gross monthly salary, with a minimum contribution of KES 300, deducted from the employee and remitted to the Social Health Authority. There is no employer contribution and no upper cap, an employee earning KES 100,000 contributes KES 2,750 per month.

SHIF contribution examples (2.75% of gross)
Gross salary (KES)SHIF deduction (2.75%)
30,000KES 825
50,000KES 1,375
100,000KES 2,750
200,000KES 5,500

Good to Know

SHIF in Kenya: Common Questions

What is the difference between SHIF and NHIF?+

SHIF replaced NHIF in October 2024 under the Social Health Insurance Act 2023. NHIF used flat contribution bands (KES 500-1,700); SHIF is a flat 2.75% of gross salary, so higher earners contribute substantially more. Contributions are now remitted to the Social Health Authority (SHA), and SHIF amounts are tax-deductible against PAYE. Our payroll compliance guide covers the transition in detail.

Is SHIF tax deductible in Kenya?+

Yes. Since December 2024, SHIF contributions are deductible from taxable income before PAYE is computed, which partially offsets the higher contribution for salaried employees. This calculator and our net salary calculator both apply the deduction automatically.

Who must register and pay SHIF in Kenya?+

All employees must be registered by their employers, and all other residents register as households. For employers, SHIF is one of five statutory payroll obligations alongside PAYE, NSSF, Housing Levy, and NITA, all due by the 9th of the following month. Our payroll service files all of them with a zero-penalty record since 2011.

Rather not run payroll yourself?

We compute, file, and remit PAYE, NSSF, SHIF, and Housing Levy for 385+ organisations, zero penalties since 2011.