How to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA)

A section of Social Health Authority(SHA) building located at Upper Hill in Nairobi.[Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

The Social Health Authority (SHA), as outlined on its official website, is a government body established to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) under the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023. SHA's main role is to manage health insurance schemes by pooling funds from employers and individuals to provide high-quality healthcare services. The aim is to reduce the financial burden associated with hospital bills for contributors.

Registration with the SHA is mandatory for all Kenyan residents. Every Kenyan citizen and lawful resident is required to register. Parents or guardians are encouraged to register their school-going children, as children must have a parent's or guardian's SHA membership to be registered. Employers and business owners must also register their employees and remit statutory contributions on their behalf. SHA’s primary goal is to ensure healthcare is accessible, affordable, and of good quality for all Kenyans.

Below are the methods for registering with SHA:

1. Registration via USSD Code

This is one of the simplest ways to register. Follow these steps:

• Dial *147# on your mobile device.
• Accept the terms and conditions when prompted.
• Enter your Kenyan ID number and first name for verification.
• Confirm the details provided, then proceed to enter any additional information as required on the screen.
• Wait for a confirmation message notifying you of successful registration.

This method does not require internet access, making it a convenient and user-friendly option.

2. Online Registration

You can also register online by following these steps:

1. Visit the official SHA website at https://sha.go.ke.
2. Click on the "Registration" option and select "Individual Registration" on the homepage.
3. Fill out the registration form with accurate details, including:
• Full name
• Occupation
• Date of birth
• KRA PIN (Kenya Revenue Authority Personal Identification Number)
• Address and contact details
• Marital status
4. Review your information to ensure accuracy, then submit.
5. Verify your account by following the instructions sent to your email or phone.

This method allows you to complete your registration anytime and anywhere, but it requires a certain level of tech-savviness to avoid errors.

3. Registration Process for Employers

Employers must first create an employer account to register their employees. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the SHA Employer Portal at https://sha.go.ke and navigate to the employer section.
2. Create an account by providing accurate details about your business, including:
• Business Registration Certificate (BRS) or Act of Parliament documentation
• KRA Certificate
• Organisation name
• KRA PIN
• Address and contact details
3. Ensure all documents are valid before submitting them.
4. Verify your account by following the instructions sent to your email or phone.

Once registered, employers can log into their account and register their employees by providing accurate details, including names, ID numbers, and information about dependants. After confirming the details, they must submit the registration.

Employers are also responsible for managing contributions, which are calculated at 2.75% of each employee’s gross salary.

If you encounter any difficulties during registration, you can seek help from a Community Health Promoter (CHP), visit a SHA branch, or visit a Huduma Centre near you.

By ensuring accurate and complete registration, individuals and employers can help make quality healthcare accessible to all.