In Kenya, the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) operates as a state-run medical insurance program, offering its members affordable and easily accessible healthcare services.
It is mandatory for all employed Kenyans to register and contribute to NHIF through their monthly salary deductions. However, self-employed individuals can also voluntarily contribute in order to access quality healthcare services at an affordable cost.
In this guide, we will discuss how to pay NHIF via Mpesa.
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Why Pay NHIF via Mpesa?
Mpesa is a mobile money transfer service that has revolutionized financial transactions in Kenya. It allows individuals to send and receive money, pay bills, and even access loans using their mobile phones. This makes it a convenient and popular option for paying NHIF contributions.
Here are a few reasons why paying NHIF via Mpesa is a popular choice:
- Convenience: Mpesa is widely used in Kenya, making it an easy and accessible way to pay your NHIF contributions. You can make payments from your phone anytime, anywhere, without visiting a bank branch or NHIF office.
- Speed: Mpesa transactions are processed quickly, so your NHIF account will be updated immediately after you make your payment.
- Security: Mpesa uses a PIN system to secure your transactions so you can be confident that your money is safe.
- Track record: You can easily access your Mpesa transaction history to track your NHIF payments. This can help keep records and ensure you are up-to-date on your contributions.
Overall, Mpesa offers a fast, convenient, and secure way to pay your NHIF contributions. If you are already a Mpesa user, it is likely the most hassle-free option for you.
Steps on How to Pay NHIF via Mpesa in 2025
There are two primary methods for making NHIF contributions through Mpesa:
- Direct Mpesa Payment: This method involves using the Mpesa menu on your phone and entering the relevant details for your NHIF contribution.
- NHIF Selfcare Platform: This method utilizes the NHIF online platform to initiate the payment process. You can then seamlessly complete the transaction through Mpesa.
Method 1: Direct Mpesa Payment
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pay NHIF via Mpesa directly:
- Access Mpesa Menu: Open your phone’s SIM Toolkit and navigate to the Mpesa menu.
- Lipa Na Mpesa: Select the “Lipa Na Mpesa” option to initiate a mobile money payment.
- Paybill: Choose the “Pay Bill” option within the Lipa Na Mpesa menu.
- Enter Paybill Number: Enter the updated Government Paybill Number: 222222.
- Account Number: This is where you’ll specify the type of contribution you’re making. Here’s a breakdown of the account number format:
- Member Contribution: Use NHIFM- followed by your NHIF member ID number (e.g., NHIFM-11223344).
- Member Penalty: If applicable, use NHIFP- followed by your NHIF member ID number (e.g., NHIFP-11223344).
- Employer Contribution: For employers, use NHIFE- followed by the e-slip number (e.g., NHIFE-112233).
- Employer Penalty: Employers paying penalties should use NHIFEP- followed by the employer code (e.g., NHIFEP-11223).
- Enter Amount: Enter the exact amount you wish to contribute.
- Mpesa PIN: Input your Mpesa PIN to confirm the transaction.
- Confirmation: Review the details on your phone screen and press “OK” to finalize the payment.
- Mpesa Confirmation: You’ll receive an SMS confirmation message from Mpesa acknowledging the successful transaction.
Method 2: NHIF Selfcare Platform
For a more detailed and potentially faster payment experience, consider using the NHIF Selfcare Platform:
- NHIF Website: Visit the official NHIF website (https://www.nhif.or.ke/).
- Self-Care: Locate and select the “Self-Care” option on the NHIF website.
- Login: Sign in to your NHIF Selfcare account using either your E-Citizen credentials or your dedicated NHIF account login.
- Pay Contributions: After logging in, navigate to the “Pay Contributions” section on the Selfcare platform.
- Payment Details: Choose whether you’re paying for yourself or for others (dependants). Enter the relevant NHIF ID number if applicable.
- Enter Amount: Specify the amount you intend to contribute.
- Mpesa Prompt: Upon confirmation, you’ll receive a prompt on your phone requesting your Mpesa PIN.
- Mpesa PIN: Enter your Mpesa PIN to authorize the payment.
- Confirmation: You’ll receive confirmation messages from both NHIF and Mpesa confirming the successful transaction.
Important Points to Note
- The payment should be made before the 9th of every month to avoid any penalties.
- The minimum monthly contribution for self-employed individuals is Ksh. 500, and the maximum is Ksh. 1,700.
- For employed individuals, the employer deducts a fixed amount from their salary every month as NHIF contributions.
- Failure to pay NHIF contributions can result in a fine of up to Ksh. 5,000 or imprisonment for a maximum of six months.
- If your NHIF payments are inconsistent, contact NHIF customer care at 0800 720601 (toll-free) or visit an NHIF branch for assistance.
Key Takeaways for Hassle-Free NHIF Contributions via Mpesa
Paying NHIF via Mpesa in 2024 is a quick, convenient, and secure method of fulfilling your monthly contributions. This helps to ensure that you and your family have access to quality healthcare services whenever needed. Remember to pay on time and regularly to avoid any penalties or disruptions in accessing medical services. Stay healthy, stay covered!
