How to Register for SHA in 2025

Introduction

The Social Health Authority (SHA) in Kenya, established under the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023, is the cornerstone of the country’s push for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), SHA mandates enrollment for all residents to access comprehensive healthcare through three funds: the Primary Health Care Fund (PHCF), Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCF). As of September 2025, over 20 million Kenyans have registered, supported by digital platforms like Afya Yangu and widespread public campaigns. Registration is mandatory, free, and accessible via multiple channels, ensuring inclusivity for citizens, long-term residents, and vulnerable populations. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to registering for SHA in 2025, including requirements, processes, and tips to navigate the system effectively.

Legal Basis and Importance of Registration

The Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, mandates that all Kenyan residents—citizens and non-citizens residing for over 12 months—register with SHA to access healthcare benefits without financial hardship, as guaranteed by Article 43 of the Constitution. Non-compliance risks fines up to KSh 50,000 or imprisonment for up to six months. Registration is free, with contributions (2.75% of income for salaried, minimum KSh 300/month for informal sector) or subsidies covering costs. Former NHIF members were automatically transitioned by October 2024 but must re-register biometrics to activate SHA benefits. Timely registration ensures immediate access to primary care, hospital services, and critical illness coverage, reducing out-of-pocket expenses by an estimated 30% in 2025.

Eligibility for Registration

Eligible individuals include:

• Kenyan citizens (all ages, employed or unemployed).
• Non-citizens residing in Kenya for over 12 months (e.g., expatriates, refugees).
• Dependents (unlimited spouses and children, including newborns registered within 14 days).
• Indigent and vulnerable populations (subsidized via government programs like Inua Jamii).

No exclusions apply based on health status, age, or pre-existing conditions, ensuring universal access.

Requirements for Registration

To register, individuals need:

• Identification Documents:
• Kenyan citizens: National ID (for adults 18+), birth certificate (for minors), or affidavit for those without standard ID.
• Non-citizens: Valid passport, alien ID, or refugee documentation.
• Personal Information:
• Employment status (salaried, self-employed, unemployed).
• Civil status (single, married, polygamous).
• Disability status (if applicable, for tailored services).
• Details of dependents (names, IDs, or birth certificates).
• Biometric Data: Fingerprints and a passport-style photo, captured during registration.
• Contact Details: Phone number and email for communication and verification.
• Income Details (for informal/unemployed): Self-reported for means-testing to determine contributions (minimum KSh 300/month).

No registration fees apply, and subsidies cover indigent individuals. Employers may provide payroll data for salaried workers to streamline contributions.

Registration Channels

SHA offers multiple, accessible registration methods to cater to diverse populations, including rural and urban residents, tech-savvy users, and those needing assistance.

1. Online Registration via SHA Portal

• Platform: Visit sha.go.ke or the Afya Yangu app (available on iOS/Android).
• Steps:

1. Access the pre-registration page (sha.go.ke/afya/pre-register).
2. Enter national ID or passport details to initiate.
3. Provide personal details (employment, civil status, dependents).
4. Set a secure PIN for account access.
5. Schedule a biometric capture at a nearby SHA office or Huduma Centre.
6. Receive confirmation via SMS/email with SHA membership number.

• Best For: Tech-savvy individuals, urban residents, and those with internet access.
• Time: 5–10 minutes online; biometrics within 7 days.

2. USSD Code (*147#)

• Platform: Dial *147# on any mobile phone (no smartphone required).
• Steps:

1. Select “Register for SHA.”
2. Enter national ID or alternative ID number.
3. Input personal and dependent details via prompts.
4. Create a PIN for security.
5. Receive instructions for biometric verification at a designated center.
6. Get SMS confirmation post-biometrics.

• Best For: Rural residents, those without internet, or limited digital literacy.
• Time: 3–5 minutes; biometrics within 14 days.

3. In-Person Registration

• Locations: SHA branches (47 county offices), Huduma Centres, or accredited health facilities.
• Steps:

1. Visit with ID documents and dependent details.
2. Fill out a form (assisted by staff or Community Health Promoters).
3. Undergo immediate biometric capture (fingerprints, photo).
4. Receive membership confirmation on-site or via SMS.

• Best For: Vulnerable populations, those without IDs, or needing assistance.
• Time: 15–30 minutes, including biometrics.

4. Community-Based Registration

• Facilitators: Community Health Promoters (CHPs) under Afya Bora Mashinani.
• Steps:

1. CHPs visit households or conduct drives in villages.
2. Provide ID and details to CHP, who inputs data via tablets.
3. Biometrics collected on-site or at mobile clinics.
4. Receive membership details via SMS or follow-up visits.

• Best For: Remote areas, indigent populations, or those with mobility issues.
• Time: Varies; 10–20 minutes per household.

5. Employer or Group Registration

• Process: Employers, cooperatives, or saccos register employees/members collectively.
• Steps:

1. Employer submits payroll data via SHA employer portal.
2. Employees provide IDs and dependent details.
3. Biometric verification scheduled at workplace or SHA office.
4. Confirmation sent to employer and individuals.

• Best For: Formal sector workers, group schemes (e.g., farmers’ cooperatives).
• Time: Bulk processing; 1–2 weeks for completion.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Prepare Documents: Gather national ID, passport, birth certificates, or refugee documents for principal and dependents.
2. Choose Channel: Select online, USSD, in-person, community, or employer-based registration.
3. Submit Details:

• Personal: Name, ID number, phone, employment status, civil status.
• Dependents: Names, IDs, or birth certificates (no limit on spouses/children).
• Disability: Declare if applicable for tailored services.

1. Set PIN: Create a 4-digit PIN for account security and access to Afya Yangu.
2. Biometric Verification: Visit SHA office, Huduma Centre, or mobile clinic for fingerprints and photo.
3. Confirmation: Receive SHA membership number via SMS/email, enabling immediate access to PHCF and SHIF benefits.
4. Contribution Setup:

• Salaried: Employer deducts 2.75% monthly (remitted by 9th of next month).
• Informal: Pay annually via paybill 222222 after means-testing.
• Indigent: Subsidized automatically; no payment required.

Newborns must be registered within 14 days using the principal’s membership number and birth notification. Status changes (e.g., job loss, marriage) require updates within 30 days via *147# or SHA portal.

Special Considerations

• Former NHIF Members: Auto-transitioned by October 2024; re-register biometrics to activate SHA account.
• Indigent/Vulnerable: Identified via means-testing; register at Huduma Centres or with CHPs for full subsidies.
• Non-Citizens: Provide passport/alien ID; mandatory after 12 months’ residency.
• Refugees: Register via camp authorities or SHA offices with UNHCR documentation.
• Persons with Disabilities: Declare status for priority services; no additional requirements.
• Appeals: Disputes over means-testing or registration errors can be lodged via SHA’s toll-free line (0800 720 601) or customercare@sha.go.ke.

Tips for Smooth Registration

• Verify Documents: Ensure IDs are valid; carry originals and copies for in-person registration.
• Use Digital Tools: Afya Yangu app or *147# is fastest for urban users; check network coverage for USSD.
• Engage CHPs: Rural residents should contact local health promoters for guidance.
• Update Details Promptly: Report changes (e.g., new dependents, income shifts) to avoid penalties.
• Check Accreditation: Confirm chosen registration point is SHA-approved to avoid fraud.
• Save Membership Number: Store SHA number and PIN securely for accessing services or Afya Yangu.

Challenges and Solutions

Common issues include:

• Rural Access: Limited biometric centers; mitigated by mobile clinics and CHP drives.
• Digital Literacy: USSD and in-person options cater to low-literacy groups.
• Awareness Gaps: GeoPoll’s 2025 survey notes 40% of rural residents unaware of non-citizen rules; SHA’s radio and SMS campaigns aim to bridge this.
• System Glitches: Early 2025 portal outages delayed some registrations; resolved with upgraded servers.

For support, contact SHA via toll-free 0800 720 601, WhatsApp (+254 700 555 400), or email.

Post-Registration Benefits

Upon registration:

• Immediate Access: No waiting periods; use PHCF for free primary care, SHIF for hospital services, and ECCF for emergencies.
• Digital Tools: Afya Yangu tracks medical records, schedules appointments, and manages claims.
• Dependents Covered: Unlimited spouses/children access benefits under principal’s contribution.
• Subsidies: Indigent members receive free coverage, ensuring equity.

Conclusion

Registering for SHA in 2025 is a straightforward, inclusive process designed to ensure every Kenyan resident accesses quality healthcare. With multiple channels—online, USSD, in-person, and community-based—SHA accommodates diverse needs, from urban professionals to rural farmers. By preparing documents, choosing the right method, and updating details promptly, individuals can secure comprehensive coverage under SHA’s funds. As Kenya advances toward UHC, timely registration empowers citizens to benefit from a healthier, financially secure future.

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