SHIF (SHA) Registration in Kenya: Requirements and Health Coverage (A 2024 Guide)

Good health and a good life are essential components of human survival. In Kenya, the government has made several attempts to ensure that Kenyan citizens have access to affordable healthcare. These can be seen through the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund, launched on July 1st, 2024, to replace the National Insurance Fund, which has served Kenyans in various capacities since 1966. One thing about the Social Health Insurance Fund, better known as SHIF, is that it requires all Kenyans above 18 to register.

The Ministry of Health requires all Kenyans by birth and non-Kenyans who have stayed in the country for more than 12 Months to register. Therefore, do you know how to Register for SHIF? Well, the Registration process is more straightforward as it doesn’t require any paperwork. Below, we have covered all the SHIF registration Methods in Kenya.

What is SHIF?

When President William Rutos came to Power in 2022, one of their manifesto objectives was to implement the Integrated and University Healthcare Coverage program. It was through such that the was established in 2023, which paved the way for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)

SHIF was officially launched on July 1st with the commencement of its registration exercise and came into effect on October 1st, 2024. So this means that the National Insurance Fund (NHIF ) is not working across Kenyan Hospitals

SHIF is the new government fund for Kenya’s public insurance. It seeks to make healthcare affordable, especially for individuals the NHIF had locked out. To achieve this, the fund operates on a tiered contribution system, meaning the amount you contribute depends on your income level, making it accessible to all.

SHIF vs. NHIF: What’s the Difference?

Although SHIF intends to pick from where the NHIF started and left, many Kenyans have still been left stranded on what SHIF is. The Government of Kenya has made it mandatory for all to register without providing Civic education on what the new fund does and why one would undergo the registration Process

To help you understand, below are some essential differences that make SHIF stand out:

• It provides more comprehensive coverage, including a broader range of services like outpatient care and preventive check-ups.
• It uses a tiered contribution system based on income levels, making it more affordable and equitable.
• Its Membership is open to all Kenyans over 18, while NHIF focuses more on employees in the formal sector.
• It is managed by the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has a broader mandate for improving the healthcare system.
• It Provides Multiple to easily Resgiter ( SMS, SHIF portal, and Huduma centers)

Requirements For Registering SHIF

SHIF registration is meant for all Kenyans above 18 years old. It doesn’t matter whether you are employed or not; the fund covers Kenyans from all backgrounds. Therefore, if you want to create a new SHIF account, you must know that the process is free of charge, but you must meet its eligibility criteria.

It includes having the following documents ready:

To register for SHIF, you’ll need to gather a few essential documents:

• National ID For Kenyan citizens above 18 years or Passport for non-Kenyans
• A recent, colored passport-sized photo
• A Proof of income, such as a payslip, bank statement, or KRA PIN certificate for the employed only
• A marriage certificate or birth certificate for those with dependents
• Business Registration Certificate for Employers

NOTE: All school-going children must register for SHIF as dependents in their parents’ registration. Therefore, parents must produce their children’s Birth certificates for identification purposes.

SHIF Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide

The government has made it easier to register for SHIF. There are three methods that you can personally use. So it’s up to you to choose the one you find helpful. Here is how to register for SHIF

Method 1: SHIF Portal

Through the SHIF website, you can register for universal healthcare coverage as an individual or an employer. Both methods require you to create an account on the Afya Yangu Portal.

In this guide, however, we will focus on individual registration. Here is how it works:

1. Visit the Official HIF website at https://sha.go.ke/
2. On the website homepage, on the top navigational Menu, you will see two buttons for an individual or an employer. Choose Individual and wait for the new page to load fully
3. Fill in the required fields on the new open page: Choose whether you are a Kenyan citizen, Refugee, etc. Provide your ID number, Phone number and click on Proceed if Kenyan Citizen
4. Enter the One-time password (OTP) sent to your registered number in the next window. Once done, the system will also require you to Set a unique 4-digit PIN to log into your account
5. Now, log in to your account and activate another account by following the required steps.
6. On your accounts Dashboard. Proceed to update your personal information (name, date of birth, gender, etc.), contact details, employment status, income details, and dependent information (if applicable)
7. Upload all the required documents we listed above
8. Double-check all the information you’ve entered to make sure it’s accurate, then submit your application
9. Return to your account and Click to Pay with M-Pesa
10. You’ll receive an email and SMS confirming your registration and providing your SHIF member number

Method 2: SHIF USSD

If you prefer using your mobile phone or don’t have easy access to the internet, then you can use the SHIF USSD Code.

1. Dial *147# on your phone
2. You’ll be prompted to accept the SHA terms and conditions.
3. Provide your Kenyan National ID number and first name for verification
4. Double-check that the information displayed is correct.
5. Follow the prompts to enter all your required details accurately
6. You’ll receive a confirmation message once your registration is complete.

Method 3: In-Person Registration

The last option to try if the above two methods don’t work out for you is face-to-face assistance. And this can be done through various Huduma Centres country-wide:

1. Find the nearest Huduma Centre and bring all the required documents (National ID, proof of dependents, etc.)
2. Inform the Huduma Centre agent that you need help registering for SHIF.
3. The agent will capture your personal information, including your civil status and details of your dependents (if applicable)
4. Preview the information entered by the agent. If everything is correct, the agent will submit your application, capture your biometrics, and complete the registration process

FAQs about SHIF

Conclusion

And there you have it. If you want to participate in Kenya’s newly created universal health care coverage, dubbed SHA, which provides SHIF, you need to be a registered member. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with all the information about SHIF registration in Kenya. Just meet the requirements, which are the necessary documents, and proceed with the registration method of choice, as we have covered in the article.

All the best