What is the Social Health Authority (SHA) in Kenya?

The Social Health Authority Kenya (SHA) is the government body created under the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023, tasked with implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Kenyans and legal residents. It officially replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in October 2024, marking one of the most significant healthcare reforms in Kenya’s history.

Unlike NHIF, which had limitations in coverage and membership, SHA is designed to be mandatory, inclusive, and comprehensive. Its focus extends beyond curative care to include preventive, promotive, rehabilitative, and palliative health services.

Background: From NHIF to SHA

For decades, Kenyans relied on NHIF for hospital coverage. However, gaps in inclusivity, limited benefits, and lack of transparency made NHIF less effective in achieving true UHC. The government responded by establishing SHA to:

• Streamline healthcare financing.
• Expand benefits to cover outpatient, dental, optical, maternity, cancer treatment, and emergencies.
• Ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of income, has access to quality healthcare.

Goals of the Social Health Insurance Act 2023

The Act’s main objectives include:

• Making healthcare affordable and accessible.
• Ensuring mandatory membership for all Kenyans and residents.
• Expanding healthcare to cover emergencies, chronic diseases, and maternal health.
• Strengthening transparency and accountability in healthcare funding.

How to Register for SHA in Kenya

Registration for SHA has been made easy and digital-first, ensuring everyone can sign up without lengthy paperwork.

*Registration via 147# USSD

1. Dial *147# on your phone.
2. Select SHA Registration.
3. Enter your National ID and personal details.
4. Create a digital signature (PIN).
5. Confirm your county and ward of residence.
6. Submit and await confirmation SMS.

Registration on Afya Yangu Portal

You can also register online through the Afya Yangu portal at afyaangu.go.ke.

Steps include:

• Create an account using your ID number.
• Fill in your personal and contact details.
• Upload supporting documents if needed (for dependants).
• Pay your first premium to activate membership.

Registration at Huduma Centres and Hospitals

For those without access to mobile or internet, Huduma Centres, SHA desks, and accredited hospitals offer assisted registration. Trained staff will guide you through the process and issue your SHA number.

How to Get Your SHA Number

Once registered, members are assigned a unique SHA number, which acts as their identification when accessing services.

• You will receive it via SMS confirmation.
• It is also available in your Afya Yangu profile.
• Employers can access employees’ SHA numbers for payroll deductions.

This number is critical, as it links you to hospitals, payments, and all SHA benefits.

How to Check SHA Status

To check if your SHA membership is active:

• Dial *147# and select Check Status.
• Log into your Afya Yangu profile and view eligibility.
• Visit the SHA eligibility portal at eligibility.sha.go.ke.

If your profile is incomplete or payment is pending, you may not have full access to benefits until updated.

SHA Contributions and Payments

How Much to Pay for SHA in Kenya

SHA uses a progressive contribution model:

• Salaried employees: Pay 2.75% of gross monthly income, deducted automatically by employers.
• Self-employed/Informal workers: Contributions are based on means testing with a minimum of KSh 300 per month.

SHA Payment via Mpesa, Bank, and Employers

Payment options include:

• M-Pesa Paybill 200222 (use National ID as account number).
• Bank transfers and authorized payment agents.
• Automatic deductions for salaried workers.

Monthly vs Annual SHA Contributions

• Salaried workers: Deducted monthly.
• Self-employed: Can pay monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on preference.
• Indigent and vulnerable groups: Covered fully by the government.

SHA Coverage and Benefits

SHA is not just about hospital bills—it’s a comprehensive health package.

Hospital Services Covered

• Outpatient and inpatient care.
• Surgery (minor and major).
• Chronic disease management.
• Rehabilitation services.

Maternity & Linda Mama Package

• Covers antenatal, delivery (normal & C-section), and postnatal care.
• Linda Mama program integrated into SHA—free maternal care extended to the whole household.

Dental, Optical & IVF Coverage

• Dental: Basic and restorative treatments.
• Optical: Eye checkups and eyeglasses.
• IVF & fertility treatments: Available in approved facilities.

Ambulance, Emergency & Overseas Treatment

• Ambulance evacuation for emergencies.
• Emergency treatment available to all, even those who haven’t paid.
• Overseas treatment for special conditions unavailable locally.

‍

SHA Dependants and Eligibility

SHA goes beyond covering only the primary member—it extends protection to their family and dependants.

How Many Dependants Are Covered by SHA?

Each registered member can include:

• Spouse (legally married partner).
• Children (biological, adopted, or legal wards).
• Young adults (students up to 25 years with proof of enrollment).
• Disabled dependants (covered beyond 25 years if under guardianship).

There is no fixed limit as long as dependants meet eligibility and documents are provided.

How to Register a Child or Disabled Dependant

When registering dependants, you’ll need:

• Birth certificate for children.
• Adoption papers or guardianship documents if applicable.
• National ID for dependants above 18.
• Disability certificate for special needs dependants.

Children and dependants are added through the Afya Yangu portal, *147#, or at Huduma Centres.

SHA vs NHIF: Key Differences Explained

Many Kenyans wonder: Is SHA really better than NHIF? Let’s break it down.

FeatureSHANHIFMembershipMandatory for all Kenyans and residentsVoluntary (with schemes like Civil Servants, Supa Cover, etc.)Contribution Rate2.75% of gross incomeFlat rates by salary bracketPaymentMonthly (salaried) or flexible (self-employed)Monthly flat feeCoveragePreventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, palliativeMostly curative and rehabilitativeDependantsCovers spouse, children, disabled relativesLimited coverage for dependantsEmergency & AmbulanceCovered, even for unpaid membersLimited to paid membersMaternityComprehensive (mother, spouse, children)Limited maternity coverageDental & OpticalCovered (including eyeglasses)Limited or excludedPrivate HospitalsYes, in empanelled facilitiesMostly public and select private

👉 Verdict: SHA is broader, fairer, and more inclusive, aligning with Kenya’s vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Common SHA FAQs in Kenya

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Social Health Authority Kenya:

1. Is SHA registration mandatory?

Yes. All Kenyans and legal residents must register for SHA as per the Social Health Insurance Act 2023.

2. Does SHA work in private hospitals?

Yes, SHA covers services in licensed public and private hospitals that are empanelled under the scheme.

3. What happens if you don’t pay SHA?

Non-payment limits access to specialized and elective services. However, emergency and primary care remain accessible.

4. Can NHIF members shift to SHA?

Yes. NHIF was officially replaced by SHA in October 2024. Members only need to update their profiles on SHA platforms.

5. Does SHA cover eyeglasses and dental?

Yes. SHA includes optical services (with eyeglasses) and dental treatments, unlike NHIF which excluded many of these services.

6. Is SHA better than NHIF?

Yes. SHA is more inclusive, comprehensive, and transparent, making healthcare access easier for all Kenyans.

7. Does SHA cover IVF and maternity?

Yes. SHA covers maternity (antenatal, delivery, postnatal) and even fertility treatments like IVF in approved hospitals.

8. Can SHA be paid through M-Pesa?

Absolutely. Use Paybill 200222 and your National ID as the account number.

Advantages of SHA Over NHIF

SHA introduces several improvements over NHIF, including:

• Universal membership – no one is left out.
• Income-based contributions – fairer than flat rates.
• Wider coverage – from maternity to chronic diseases.
• Emergency care – guaranteed for all, even if unpaid.
• Better family coverage – includes children, spouse, and dependants.
• Integration of Linda Mama – now part of SHA with broader benefits.
• Stronger private hospital inclusion – giving Kenyans more choice.

Conclusion: Is SHA the Future of Healthcare in Kenya?

The Social Health Authority Kenya is a game-changer in healthcare access and financing. By replacing NHIF, it has streamlined contributions, expanded coverage, and ensured universal healthcare for Kenyans and residents.

With 2.75% income-based contributions, expanded benefits such as maternity, dental, optical, and IVF, and guaranteed emergency care for all, SHA is a major leap forward.

If you haven’t registered yet, don’t wait—dial *147# or visit afyaangu.go.ke today and secure your SHA number.

Healthcare is no longer a privilege—it’s a right. And SHA is here to make sure that no Kenyan is left behind.

‍