How to Register for SHA (Social Health Authority) in Kenya (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

The Social Health Authority (SHA) is Kenya’s national public health insurance body. It replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, and began full operations on 1 October 2024. SHA manages the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and related funds to support Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Every person resident in Kenya is required to register.

This guide covers official registration methods, requirements, how to add dependants, contributions, status checks, common issues, and FAQs.

What is SHA?

SHA is a State Corporation established to pool contributions and purchase healthcare services from empaneled and contracted providers. It covers preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative services (primarily at Levels 4–6 facilities), plus emergency, chronic, and critical illness support beyond the essential package.

Official website: https://sha.go.ke

Who Should Register?

Registration is mandatory for every person resident in Kenya. This includes:

- Kenyan citizens (adults with National ID; children via birth certificate or social protection documentation)

- Parents/guardians registering household members

- Formally employed and self-employed individuals

- Students who qualify

- Foreign residents (Alien ID / Foreign Resident Certificate)

- Refugees (Refugee ID)

Households must register all eligible members.

Requirements for SHA Registration

Have these ready:

- National ID (or Alien ID / Refugee ID for non-citizens)

- Active mobile phone number registered to your ID

- Email address (recommended for web registration)

- Details of spouse and dependants (IDs, birth certificates, marriage proof where needed)

- Employment/civil status information

- Means to make contributions (payroll deduction or direct payment)

No registration fee applies, but ongoing contributions are required.

How to Register for SHA

You can register for SHA via web, USSD, or assisted enrolment.

Method 1: Online / Web Self-Registration (Recommended)

1. Visit the official SHA portal: https://sha.go.ke or go directly to the registration page: https://sha.go.ke/afya/pre-register .You can also use the Afya Yangu portal: https://afyayangu.go.ke .

2. Click Register / Proceed and accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

3. Select your ID type (Kenyan Citizen, Foreign Resident, or Refugee).

4. Enter your ID number, phone number, and other required personal details (full names, date of birth, gender, county, sub-county/ward, physical address, employment status, civil status, disability status if applicable).

5. Verify via OTP sent to your phone.

6. Review all information carefully.

7. Submit. You will receive confirmation once processed.

Tip: Use a stable internet connection and ensure your phone number is correctly linked to your ID.

Method 2: USSD Self-Registration (No Internet Needed)

1. Dial *147# on your mobile phone.

2. Select your ID type.

3. Enter your National ID (or other approved ID) number.

4. Accept the terms and conditions.

5. Select your county and sub-county.

6. Choose employment status and civil status.

7. Indicate if you are a person living with a disability.

8. Create and confirm a 4-digit PIN.

9. Attest that the information is accurate.

You will receive an SMS confirmation of successful registration.

Method 3: Assisted Enrolment

Visit a SHA office, Huduma Centre, or Contact us for help. Physical address for main support: SHA Building, Community Area, Ragati Road, Nairobi.

How to Add Dependants

Dependants typically include a spouse, biological/adopted children, and children under loco parentis (guardianship).

- Log in to your account via https://sha.go.ke/ or https://afyayangu.go.ke using your ID and PIN/password.

- Go to My Profile → Dependants (or similar section).

- Click Add Dependant and select the relationship.

- Enter the dependant’s details and upload supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate/affidavit for spouse; birth certificate for children).

- Complete OTP verification where required and submit.

You can also add dependants during initial registration. Keep records updated to avoid service delays.

Contributions (SHIF)

- Salaried employees: 2.75% of gross salary (minimum KES 300 per month; no upper limit). Deducted by the employer and remitted by the 9th of the following month.

- Non-salaried / self-employed households: 2.75% of household income (minimum KES 300 per month equivalent), usually paid annually.

- Government subsidies cover indigents, vulnerable persons, and certain groups.

Failure to contribute may lead to suspension of benefits until payments resume.

Employers register and manage staff via the SHA Employer Portal: https://employers.sha.go.ke/.

How to Check Your SHA Registration Status / Coverage

- Log in to your SHA or Afya Yangu account.

- Or use the eligibility checker: https://eligibility.sha.go.ke/ (enter National ID or CR number).

You can view membership details, update information, manage dependants, and access services.

How to Update Your SHA Details

Log in to your account and update mobile number, email, address, marital status, or dependants. Accurate records prevent issues when accessing care (biometric verification is used at facilities).

Common SHA Registration Problems & Solutions

- Invalid ID details — Enter exactly as on your official document.

- OTP not received — Confirm the phone number is correct and has network; request a new code.

- Website not loading — Try later, a different browser, or mobile data/Wi-Fi. Use USSD (*147#) as backup.

- Unable to log in — Use the password/PIN recovery option or contact support.

- Phone number issues — Ensure the number is registered to your ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SHA registration free?

Yes. Registration itself is free. Contributions apply based on your category.

Can I register using my phone?  

Yes, via USSD (*147#) or the mobile-friendly web portals / Afya Yangu app.

Can I add my children?  

Yes. Eligible dependants can be added during or after registration with the required documents.

What replaced NHIF? 

The Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) replaced NHIF effective 1 October 2024.

Is registration mandatory?  

Yes, every person resident in Kenya must register.

Where can I get help?  

- Toll-free / helpline: 0800 720 601 (or dial 147)  

- Email: info@sha.go.ke (fraud reports: fraud@sha.go.ke)  

- Official site: https://sha.go.ke/

Tips for Successful Registration

- Use correct National ID (or approved) details exactly as on the document.

- Provide an active phone number linked to your ID.

- Double-check all information before submitting.

- Keep your 4-digit PIN / login credentials secure.

- Register all household members and update details promptly.

- For employers, complete staff registration via the employer portal early.

Registering for the Social Health Authority is a key step toward accessing Kenya’s public health insurance under UHC. The process is straightforward via web, USSD (*147#), or assisted channels. Always use official portals and keep your details current.