How to Apply for SHA: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Kenya has transitioned from NHIF to the Social Health Authority (SHA) to deliver universal health coverage more efficiently. If you're wondering how to apply for SHA, this guide lays out the process clearly — from registration to payment to accessing your health benefits. ✅

What Is SHA and Why It Matters

The Social Health Authority (SHA) is the government agency that replaced NHIF effective October 1, 2024. It manages three key funds:

• Primary Health Care Fund (PHCF)
• Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)
• Emergency, Chronic & Critical Illness Fund (ECCF)

SHA aims to provide inclusive, quality health insurance to all Kenyans and eligible residents. It ensures broad access to outpatient, inpatient, and specialized health services. It also pools contributions equitably. 🏥

Who Should Register for SHA?

Registration with SHA is mandatory for all persons residing in Kenya, whether citizens or foreign residents. This includes:

• Self-employed individuals
• Employed workers (through employer contributions)
• Unemployed persons (via means testing)
• Children and dependents (under the primary registrant)

If you're outside Kenya, you may not qualify, unless you maintain residence status. Ensure you register within 90 days of the SHA regulations coming into effect, if required.

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

Gather these details and documents to streamline your application:

• National ID (or Alien ID / Refugee ID / foreign ID where applicable)
• Birth certificate (for children or dependents)
• Mobile phone number (active, for OTP) linked to your ID
• Email address (optional but helpful)
• Physical address (county, sub-county, ward)
• A passport-style photo (in JPG, PNG, or JPEG format)

Two Main Ways to Apply

You can register for SHA using either of these methods:

1. USSD registration – via your mobile phone (*147#)
2. Online registration – via the SHA / Afya Yangu portal

Option 1: Register via USSD (*147#)

This method works even without data/internet access:

1. Dial *147# on your mobile phone.
2. Select the option for “Register for SHA / Social Health Authority.”
3. Accept the terms & conditions.
4. Enter your National ID number when prompted.
5. Create a 4-digit PIN for your SHA account.
6. Confirm your PIN.
7. Provide your employment status (employed, self-employed, unemployed, etc.).
8. Select your civil status (single, married, widowed, divorced, etc.).
9. Indicate disability status (Yes / No).
10. Complete any further prompts – you may be asked to fill address, contact, etc.
11. You will receive a confirmation SMS once registration is successful.

This option is fast and accessible, especially for those without reliable internet. 📱

Option 2: Register Online via SHA / Afya Yangu Portal

For users with internet access, the online method gives more control and the ability to upload documents:

1. Go to sha.go.ke or afyayangu.go.ke.
2. Click on “Register Individual” (or “Universal Health Care / SHA”).
3. Enter your ID type (Kenyan citizen, foreign resident, refugee, etc.).
4. Input your ID number and mobile phone number.
5. Receive an OTP and enter it to verify your number.
6. Create a 4-digit PIN and confirm it.
7. Proceed with registration:
• Upload a passport photo (JPG/PNG/JPEG).
• Select employment status (employed / self-employed / sponsored / group / etc.).
• Choose your civil status (single / married / widowed / divorced, etc.).
• Indicate whether you live with a disability.
• Provide contact details: alternative phone, email if any.
• Provide your current address: county, sub-county, ward.
8. Review all information carefully and confirm it is accurate.
9. Accept the declaration / terms and submit.
10. Once submitted, you’ll be redirected to your SHA profile page.

After registration, your SHA dashboard will provide details on claims, dependents, insurance cover, and health facilities. ⚕️

How to Add Dependents / Household Members

You can include your spouse, children, or other dependents under your registration:

• During initial registration, you may be prompted to add dependents.
• If not, log into your SHA / Afya Yangu profile later and navigate to Add Dependents.
• Enter each dependent’s ID (or birth certificate for minors) and relationship to you.
• Submit the addition for processing. You may get confirmation once accepted.

Paying Your SHA / SHIF Premiums

Registration by itself does not equate to coverage: you still need to pay premiums under the SHIF fund (for those required). Here's how payment works:

• Premiums are income-based (through means testing for unemployed/self-employed).
• Employed individuals: contributions are deducted by your employer and remitted.
• Self-employed or informal workers: you will be assigned a paybill or payment channel.
• A common method is via M-Pesa using a paybill number and your ID number as account number.
• Ensure you pay on time to maintain access to SHA benefits.

When and Where You Can Access SHA Benefits

Once registration and payment are in order, you can receive services from SHA-empanelled health facilities. Benefits include:

• Outpatient care and diagnostics
• Inpatient care, surgeries, and specialized treatments
• Maternity, child health, and newborn services
• Emergency, chronic and critical illness coverage under ECCF
• Access to referral and higher-level facilities as needed

Use your SHA profile to see in-network hospitals and facilities in your county.

Tips & Common Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Double-check personal details: Errors in ID, name, or address may delay validations.
• Correct mobile number: OTP is sent to your phone—if wrong, you cannot verify.
• Means test honesty: If you understate your income, premium calculations can be problematic.
• Timely premium payments: Late payments may lead to lapses in coverage.
• Dependents documentation: Birth certificates or valid IDs are required for each dependent.
• Internet connectivity: If connectivity is weak, use USSD or go to a registration center.
• Support centers: If stuck, visit sha.go.ke for official contacts or visit a Huduma Center or SHA branch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long after registration can I use my SHA benefits?

Once registration is validated and premiums (if any) are paid, you should become eligible almost immediately. Check your profile dashboard for status.

What if I don’t have a ID or birth certificate?

For children without formal IDs, birth certificates suffice. For other cases, you may get assistance during in-person registration or at SHA service centers.

Can I change my address or phone number later?

Yes. Log into your SHA profile, go to “Update Profile,” and modify address or contact info. Confirm changes as required.

What happens if I miss payment?

Missing payments may suspend your access to SHA benefits until payment is resumed. Always pay within the allowed window.

How are employers supposed to register?

Employers must register their business via the employer portal on SHA’s site. They upload business credentials, register employees, and remit monthly contributions — often 2.75% of gross salary (check current rate).

Conclusion

Registering for SHA is a critical step toward securing your health and that of your family under Kenya’s new universal health scheme. Whether you choose USSD or online registration, following the steps outlined above ensures a smoother experience. Don’t delay — complete your SHA registration today and enjoy peace of mind when it comes to health coverage. 💡

For additional help or updates, always refer to the official SHA site at sha.go.ke or the Afya Yangu portal at afyayangu.go.ke.