How to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)

A man holding a mobile phone. [iStockphoto]

The new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is set to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which has been active since 1966.

The SHIF will be primarily financed by employee contributions, providing universal healthcare. It will be supplemented by new primary healthcare funds, mostly financed by government grants, and a new fund for emergencies, catastrophic illnesses, and chronic illnesses.

The SHIF commenced on July 1, 2024.

Health CS Susan Nakhumicha said: "Kenyans are required to either self-register or visit the NHF offices or other registration points as the Social Health Authority board (SHA) will designate, where the community health promoters will assist. The exercise will be free."

How to register

Self-Registration Using a USSD Code

Dial the USSD code *147# on your phone.

You will be prompted to provide information such as your citizenship, National Identity Number (ID), and phone number.

Online Registration

Visit the SHIF registration portal at www.sha.go.ke.

Follow the instructions to complete the process.

Assisted Registration

Visit the designated National Health Insurance Funds (NHIF) offices or other registration points authorised by SHA for assistance with the registration process.

When registering, you’ll need to provide personal details, including:

• Full name
• Occupation
• Date of birth
• Marital status
• KRA PIN (Kenya Revenue Authority Personal Identification Number)
• Address and contact details

According to the acting CEO of the Social Health Authority board, Mr Elijah Wachira, "The payment and access to the new benefits package under the authority is now scheduled to begin from October 1, 2024, to fully comply with the provisions of the SHA Act. This is to inform you, therefore, that SHA has resolved to extend the current healthcare provider contracts for a period of three months effective July 1 to September 30 to allow for a seamless transition from NHIF to SHA."