The deadline for SHIF registration is fast approaching, but many Kenyans still don’t understand this crucial program. SHIF aims to improve access to healthcare, making it vital to learn how it works.
This guide explains the essentials of SHIF registration. You’ll learn where to get the online registration form and which documents you need to complete the process.
A Simple Guide to SHIF Registration and Online Process
The Kenyan government is restructuring public services to make them more efficient. One of the latest efforts is the SHIF (Social Health Insurance Fund), a new platform to improve health coverage for all citizens.
SHIF officially launched on July 1, 2024, replacing the NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund), which had been in place since 1966.
This change aligns with Kenya’s constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to proper healthcare.
The government introduced SHIF to expand health coverage, lower costs, and include people left out by NHIF.
It will mainly rely on employee contributions, with additional funding from government grants for primary healthcare and a separate fund for emergencies, chronic conditions, and catastrophic illnesses.
Despite its goals, SHIF has received mixed reactions. Many Kenyans worry that the extra taxes to support the program will add financial pressure during tough economic times.
SHIF Registration
You can register for SHIF using two easy methods: online or through USSD. Both are simple and designed for you to complete the process on your own with little help.
Registration Requirements and Eligibility
To register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), you need these documents:
- National ID or passport
- Recent colored passport-sized photo
- Proof of income (e.g., payslip, bank statement, or KRA PIN certificate)
If registering dependents, you must also provide:
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate)
- IDs and photographs for each dependent
To qualify for SHIF registration, you must be a Kenyan citizen or legal resident, at least 18 years old, and have a valid ID or passport.
SHIF Registration Online
Follow these steps to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA) online:
Step 1: Visit the SHA website
Open a web browser and go to the SHA website. Click the “Register” button at the top of the homepage.
Step 2: Create your account
Click “Proceed” to accept the Terms and Conditions. Fill in the registration form with your ID type, ID number, and phone number linked to your ID. Then, click “Proceed” to set up your account.
Step 3: Complete registration
You will receive a one-time password (OTP) on your registered phone. Enter the OTP on the website. Once done, visit an authorised SHA agent for biometric verification and account activation.
Step 4: Update your profile
After activation, log in to your account and click “Profile.” Upload a recent passport photo, update your employment and civil status, and answer any questions about disabilities. Click “Next” to update your contact details.
Review your information, accept the declaration by checking the box, and click “Submit.” Finally, set up your PIN to complete your registration.
SHIF OTP Registration
To register via USSD, dial *147# on your mobile device. You will be asked to enter details such as your citizenship, National ID number, and phone number.
Categories of SHIF Membership
The Social Health Insurance Fund offers two categories of membership: principal members and dependents.
The principal member is the main account holder, usually the primary income earner in the household.
Dependents, such as spouses and children, are also covered under the principal member’s account.
How Does SHIF Differ from NHIF?
The new structure divides funds into three categories:
- The Primary Healthcare Fund, which will be mainly funded by the government.
- The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which will be supported by household contributions.
- The Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF), also funded by the government.