SHA/SHIF is Kenya’s new universal health coverage system that replaced NHIF. This guide shows you exactly how to register online and access healthcare services.
What is SHA and SHIF?
SHA stands for Social Health Authority—the government body managing health insurance. SHIF stands for Social Health Insurance Fund—the actual insurance scheme. Replaced the old NHIF system in 2024. Provides universal health coverage to all Kenyans. Mandatory for employed people. Voluntary for self-employed. Covers you and your dependants.
Who Must Register?
All Kenyan adults over 18 years. Employed people—deductions from salary. Self-employed individuals—voluntary registration. Students and unemployed—can register. Foreigners working in Kenya. Everyone qualifies for healthcare coverage. Registration is free but contributions are mandatory.
What You Need Before Starting
Valid national ID or passport. Active phone number. Email address. KRA PIN number. Employer’s name and KRA PIN (if employed). Bank account or Mpesa for payments. Internet connection and device.
Example: If employed, your employer should register you automatically, but you can still register yourself.
Step 1: Visit SHA Portal
Open your web browser. Type www.sha.go.ke in the address bar. Press Enter to load the website. Wait for the homepage to appear. You’ll see the official Social Health Authority portal.
Example: Make sure URL shows “sha.go.ke”—the official government site.
Step 2: Find Registration Section
On the SHA homepage, look for navigation menu. Find “Register” or “Member Registration” link. Click on it to open registration page. You might also see “New Member” or “Sign Up” options.
Example: The registration link is usually prominently placed on the homepage for easy access.
Step 3: Choose Registration Type
Select your registration category. Options include: Individual (self-employed or voluntary). Employee (if registering yourself). Dependant (being registered by someone). Click on the category that applies to you.
Example: Most people starting employment or self-employed choose “Individual Registration”.
Step 4: Enter Personal Information
Fill in your full name as shown on ID. First Name, Middle Name, and Last Name separately. Enter your national ID number. Type carefully—no spaces or dashes. Select your date of birth from calendar. Choose your gender from dropdown. Select marital status.
Example:
- First Name: John
- Middle Name: Kamau
- Last Name: Mwangi
- ID: 12345678
- Date of Birth: 15/03/1990
Step 5: Enter Contact Details
Type your active mobile phone number. Format: 0712345678 or +254712345678. Enter your email address carefully. Check for spelling mistakes. Provide your postal address. P.O. Box number and postal code. Town or city where you receive mail.
Example:
- Phone: 0722123456
- Email: john.mwangi@gmail.com
- P.O. Box: 12345-00100
- Town: Nairobi
Step 6: Enter Residential Address
Fill in your actual physical address. County where you live. Sub-county or constituency. Ward or estate name. Street name or plot number if applicable. Nearest landmark if in rural area.
Example:
- County: Nairobi
- Sub-County: Westlands
- Estate: Kilimani
- Street: Ngong Road
Step 7: Enter KRA PIN
Find the box labeled “KRA PIN”. Type your KRA PIN exactly. It has 11 characters—letters and numbers. Format: A001234567B. This links your tax and health records. Must be accurate.
Example: KRA PIN: A123456789Z
Step 8: Employment Information
Select your employment status from dropdown. Options: Employed, Self-Employed, Unemployed, Student. If employed, enter employer’s name. Provide employer’s KRA PIN if you know it. Enter your monthly gross salary. This determines your contribution amount.
Example:
- Status: Employed
- Employer: ABC Company Limited
- Monthly Salary: KES 50,000
Step 9: Previous Health Cover
Indicate if you had NHIF before. If yes, enter your old NHIF number. This helps transfer your records. If you’re new to health insurance, select “No previous cover”. System will create fresh records for you.
Example: Old NHIF Number: 123456789 (if you had one).
Step 10: Register Dependants
Indicate how many dependants you’re registering. Dependants include: Spouse. Children under 25 years. Parents (in some cases). Click “Add Dependant” for each person. Fill their details: name, ID/birth certificate number, relationship.
Example:
- Dependant 1: Mary Wanjiru Mwangi (Spouse), ID: 2345678
- Dependant 2: Brian Kamau Mwangi (Child), Birth Cert: 12345
Step 11: Payment Details
Choose your payment method. Employed people: automatic payroll deduction. Self-employed: Mpesa, bank, or direct debit. Enter your bank account details if choosing bank payment. Or enter Mpesa number for mobile payments.
Example:
- Payment Method: M-Pesa
- M-Pesa Number: 0722123456
Step 12: Select Health Facility
Choose your primary healthcare facility. This is where you’ll go for routine care. Select county first. Then choose specific facility from dropdown. Can be hospital, clinic, or health center. Must be SHA-accredited facility.
Example:
- County: Nairobi
- Facility: Kenyatta National Hospital or Mbagathi Hospital
Step 13: Upload Required Documents
Look for “Upload Documents” section. You need to attach: Copy of your national ID (front and back). Passport-size photo (recent). Marriage certificate (if registering spouse). Birth certificates for children. Click “Choose File” for each document. Upload from your device.
Example: Save documents as PDF or JPEG, under 2MB each. Clear, readable copies only.
Step 14: Create Login Credentials
Think of a username for your account. Type it in the “Username” box. Create a strong password. At least 8 characters. Mix capital and small letters, numbers, symbols. Type same password in “Confirm Password” box. This is for accessing your SHA account later.
Example:
- Username: johnk2026
- Password: Sha@2026
Step 15: Set Security Questions
Choose security questions from dropdown menus. Usually 2-3 questions required. Examples: “Mother’s maiden name”, “First school attended”. Type your answers clearly. You’ll need these if you forget password.
Example:
- Question: “What is your mother’s maiden name?”
- Answer: Wambui
Step 16: Review Your Information
Scroll through the entire form carefully. Check all names are spelled correctly. Verify ID numbers are accurate. Confirm phone and email are right. Review dependants’ information. Look for any error messages highlighted in red.
Example: One wrong digit in ID or phone number can cause problems later.
Step 17: Accept Terms and Conditions
Read the terms and conditions if you want. Scroll to find the checkbox. Tick the box to agree to SHA terms. Also tick any data protection consent boxes. Must accept to proceed with registration.
Step 18: Submit Registration
Find the “Submit” button at bottom of form. Click it once and wait. Don’t click multiple times. System processes your registration. This might take 30-60 seconds. Wait patiently for confirmation.
Example: You might see a loading symbol or “Processing…” message.
Step 19: Get Registration Confirmation
After successful submission, confirmation page appears. Note your SHA membership number shown. You’ll receive SMS with your number. Check your email for registration confirmation. This has your membership details and next steps.
Example: SHA Number might look like: SHA123456789. Write it down immediately.
Step 20: Make First Contribution
If self-employed or voluntary member, make your first payment. Log into SHA portal with your new credentials. Go to “Make Payment” or “Contributions”. Select payment amount. Minimum contribution depends on income bracket. Complete payment via Mpesa or bank.
Example: Monthly contribution ranges from KES 300 to KES 5,000+ depending on income level.
Understanding SHA Contributions
Employed people: Automatic salary deduction. Rate is 2.75% of gross salary. Self-employed: Based on declared income. Monthly minimum around KES 300. Maximum around KES 5,000 or more. Unemployed: Reduced rates available. Students: Special rates apply.
Example: If salary is KES 50,000, contribution is approximately KES 1,375 per month.
How to Access Your SHA Account
Visit www.sha.go.ke. Click “Member Login”. Enter your username or SHA number. Enter your password. Click “Sign In”. Your dashboard shows contribution history and coverage details.
Example: Save your login details securely for regular access.
What’s Covered Under SHIF
Outpatient services at primary facilities. Specialist consultations. Hospital admissions and surgery. Maternity care—antenatal to delivery. Emergency treatment. Chronic disease management. Dental and optical care (limited). Laboratory tests and imaging. Prescribed medications. Cancer treatment and dialysis.
Example: Coverage is comprehensive compared to old NHIF—more services included.
How to Use Your SHA Cover
Visit any SHA-accredited facility. Present your national ID. Provide your SHA membership number. Facility verifies your coverage electronically. Receive treatment without paying (if covered). Some services might require small co-payment. Keep receipts for any payments made.
Example: For scheduled procedures, call ahead to confirm facility accepts SHA.
How to Check Contribution Statement
Log into your SHA account. Click “View Statement” or “Contributions”. See all your monthly contributions. Check if employer is remitting (if employed). Download statement as PDF. Verify your account is active.
Example: Check monthly to ensure payments are up to date—coverage depends on contributions.
How to Add or Remove Dependants
Log into SHA portal. Go to “Manage Dependants” section. Click “Add Dependant” to include someone. Fill their details and upload documents. Submit for approval. To remove dependant, select them and click “Remove”. Changes take effect next month.
Example: Must add newborn children within 90 days of birth.
Common Problems and Solutions
ID number rejected: Make sure you’re using correct ID without spaces. Verify ID is registered with government systems. Try passport number if ID doesn’t work.
Can’t upload documents: Reduce file size to under 2MB. Use PDF or JPEG format only. Clear browser cache. Try from computer instead of phone.
Employer information wrong: Contact your HR department for correct details. If self-employed, select “Self-Employed” status instead.
Payment not reflecting: Allow 24-48 hours for payments to show. Keep Mpesa receipt as proof. Contact SHA support if delay exceeds 3 days.
Forgot password: Click “Forgot Password” on login page. Enter your username or SHA number. Answer security questions. Create new password.
Difference Between SHA and Old NHIF
SHIF covers more services than NHIF. Contributions based on income (fairer system). No benefit limits—old NHIF had caps. Includes chronic disease treatment fully. Better outpatient coverage. All Kenyans must register (mandatory). Digital and automated system. Can access anywhere in Kenya.
Penalties for Not Registering
Registration is mandatory by law. Employed people: Employer faces penalties if not registering staff. Self-employed: Must register to access services. Unregistered people can’t get free public healthcare. May face fines or legal issues. Backdated contributions might be required.
Example: Register as soon as possible to avoid penalties and ensure healthcare access.
Contact SHA for Help
If you have problems or questions, contact SHA. Call Center: 0800-720-601 (toll-free). Email: info@sha.go.ke. Visit any Huduma Centre for assistance. SHA offices in major towns. Check website for office locations. Working hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Important Tips
Register early—don’t wait until you need treatment. Keep your SHA number safe—memorize it or save in phone. Verify your employer is deducting and remitting contributions. Update your details if you change phone number or address. Check your statement regularly. Register all dependants to ensure family coverage. Know which facilities near you accept SHA. Keep your account active by paying on time.
SHA Mobile App
SHA has a mobile app for easier access. Download from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Search “SHA Kenya” or “Social Health Authority”. Register using your SHA number. Check contributions on the go. Find nearby accredited facilities. Get notifications for payments and updates. More convenient than website.
Example: The app makes it easy to verify coverage before hospital visits.
Renewing Your Cover
As long as you pay contributions, cover continues. No annual renewal needed like old NHIF. Just keep paying monthly. Employed people: automatic continuation. Self-employed: must pay each month. If you stop paying, coverage suspends. Can reactivate by clearing arrears.
SHA/SHIF represents Kenya’s commitment to universal healthcare. By registering and maintaining your contributions, you ensure that you and your family can access quality healthcare when needed. The online registration makes it easy—no more long queues at physical offices. Register today and enjoy comprehensive health coverage.