Starting today, Kenyans can now use the Hustler Fund to pay for their Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance contributions, thanks to a new update in the government’s loan system.
This latest change allows citizens to borrow from the Hustler Fund to cover their SHA premiums and repay the loan in flexible installments.
A spot check by newshub.co.ke confirmed that many users received SMS notifications explaining how to make SHA contributions using the Lipa Pole Pole (Pay Slowly) feature linked to Hustler Fund.
This development especially benefits Kenyans in the informal sector who may not be able to afford the full annual payment all at once.
How It Works: Paying SHA via Hustler Fund
The government has introduced two simple ways to access this service using USSD codes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Option 1: Use USSD Code *254#
- On your mobile phone, dial
*254#. - From the menu, select Option 4: Lipa Pole Pole.
- A message will appear showing your SHA annual premium amount.
- Choose Hustler Fund as your preferred payment method.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to finalize the process.
Note: You must have no outstanding Hustler Fund loans to use this feature. If you have a loan that’s not cleared, the system will not allow you to proceed.
Option 2: Use USSD Code *147#
- Dial
*147#on your phone. - Select the Lipa Pole Pole option from the menu.
- Choose SHA Contributions.
- When prompted, select Hustler Fund as the financing option.
- You’ll then be able to choose a repayment plan—either daily, weekly, or monthly.
- The SHA premium will be paid instantly, and your loan repayment will begin immediately under your chosen plan.
To be eligible, you must already be registered on the Hustler Fund platform and have a positive repayment history.
If your SHA profile is incomplete, the system will guide you through updating your details before you can proceed with payment.
Ruto Introduces Lipa Pole Pole at Madaraka Day
During the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay on June 1, President William Ruto officially launched the Lipa Pole Pole payment plan for SHA contributions.
The initiative specifically targets low-income earners and informal sector workers, allowing them to make health insurance payments in more manageable instalments throughout the year.
A Multi-Sector Partnership Behind the Scheme
This new payment method is made possible by a joint collaboration between the:
- Ministry of Health
- Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs
- Mobile Network Operators
- Financial Institutions
- All working together through the Hustler Fund platform.
The goal is to expand access to health insurance and encourage mass enrollment under the new SHA system, which replaces NHIF.
Data Integration Concerns
Although the system is now live, Hustler Fund administrators have yet to publicly explain how the integration with SHA was done. The two programs operate under separate data governance frameworks, raising questions about how the systems are linked and how data privacy is being protected.
Summary
With this update, Kenyans can now enjoy convenient and flexible options to pay for SHA insurance premiums without financial strain. The use of Hustler Fund loans ensures that even those with limited incomes can remain covered under the national health insurance system, while repaying at their own pace—daily, weekly, or monthly.
This marks another step in the government’s broader goal to enhance healthcare access, promote universal health coverage, and empower hustlers through innovation.
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