Kenyans enrolled in the Social Health Authority’s (SHA) Lipa Pole Pole programme can now opt out of the scheme directly from their mobile phones without having to visit SHA offices.
The authority has released a simple step-by-step process that allows members to exit the instalment-based contribution programme through a USSD code.
In a notice, the Social Health Authority said members only need to dial *147# using the phone number linked to their national ID and follow the prompts provided.
“Opting out of SHA Lipa Pole Pole is simple and convenient. Dial *147# using the phone number registered under your ID and follow the prompts,” SHA said.
To complete the process, users are required to select the “Kenyan Citizen” option, enter their identification details, choose the “Make Payments” menu, select “SHA Lipa Pole Pole” and then click on the “Opt Out” option.
Those who successfully complete the process will receive a confirmation message on their phones.
The authority said the move is aimed at making services more accessible while giving members greater flexibility in managing their health insurance contributions.
SHA also clarified that opting out of the programme does not permanently lock members out, as they can rejoin later through the same process if they wish.
The Lipa Pole Pole initiative was launched by President William Ruto in June 2025 as an aid to Kenyans in gradually paying for their health insurance cover.
It was developed to help ease difficulties of making lump sums by enabling contributions according to fluctuating income levels.
Nevertheless, contributors have expressed their worries about the longevity of the model and raised the need for other methods of payment.
Besides opting out, SHA said members who believe their contributions have been assessed incorrectly can also file an appeal through the same USSD platform.
The appeal process requires users to dial *147#, select the relevant identification option and follow the instructions under the “Contributions Appeal” menu.
The latest guidance is expected to help members access SHA services more easily as the authority continues to digitise its operations and reduce the need for physical visits to its offices.
