The Social Health Authority (SHA) detailed the means testing process for self-employed Kenyans.
Means testing involves evaluating the financial capacity of households, especially those without a steady income. This involves evaluating the socio-economic factors of the household, including its composition, housing conditions, and ability to access services.
On February 5, during a press conference, Health Director-General Patrick Amoth pointed out that many Kenyans were being denied healthcare in various facilities nationwide due to their failure to complete this vital step.
Dr Amoth stated that the government was struggling with challenges posed by unemployed Kenyans who failed to provide the necessary data for determining an accurate representation of income generated by each household.
He noted that the average premium from means testing amounts to KSh592.
Amoth stated, “One challenge we face is that not many of our people who register through the process complete it fully to the means testing.”
Currently, only 3.1 million individuals have undergone means testing, which implies that some may not qualify for services provided by the Social Health Insurance Fund. They cannot access primary healthcare services and emergency services.
Public employees do not require means testing, as their SHA deductions are typically taken from their salaries. Each month, an additional 2.75% of your salary is allocated to SHA if you have a base of Ksh300.
Kenyans are encouraged to not only register early for SHA but also to complete means testing prior to hospital visits in order to prevent treatment delays.
People who cannot finish the process on their own have been urged to connect with community health promoters for help.
How to Carry Out Means Testing
- The initial action is to go to http://afyayangu.go.ke and sign in.
- Once you have logged in, go to “My Profile.”
- Next, click on the “Income” tab.
- Answer the group of questions.
- There will be a calculation of the amount that is to be paid to SHA on a monthly or yearly basis.
