Kenya has taken a bold step toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the launch of the Social Health Authority (SHA) — a new system that replaces the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). This transformation is designed to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of income or location, has access to essential healthcare services.
Whether you’re self-employed, employed, a student, or a parent registering children, this blog will walk you through how to register for SHA and why it’s important.
Let’s dive in.
What is SHA Kenya? (And Why It Replaces NHIF)
The Social Health Authority (SHA) is a government-backed initiative that officially replaces the NHIF. It aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and President Ruto’s UHC plan, making healthcare accessible and affordable to all.
Key Benefits of SHA vs NHIF:
| Feature | SHA | NHIF |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Coverage | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited |
| Dependents | ✅ Fully Supported | ✅ Partial |
| Digital Registration | ✅ Easy via *147# or Web | ❌ Manual-heavy |
| Contribution Model | ✅ Tiered for fairness | ✅ Fixed |
| Health Access | ✅ Across public/private facilities | ✅ Mostly public |
How to Register for SHA Kenya (2 Simple Options)
Option 1: Register via USSD Code *147#
- Dial
*147#on your phone. - Select “Social Health Authority”.
- Accept terms and conditions.
- Enter your ID number and first name.
- Provide additional details as prompted.
- You’ll receive an SMS confirmation upon successful registration.
This method works on any mobile phone and does not require internet access.
Option 2: Register Online via SHA Portal
- Visit the official SHA portal: https://sha.go.ke
- Click “Register as an Individual.”
- Fill in your details:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Occupation
- Marital Status
- KRA PIN
- Phone & Email
- Submit the form and verify via SMS or email.
📌 Pro Tip: Use accurate KRA and ID details to avoid verification delays.
What You Need Before Registration
Before you start, have these ready:
- ✅ Kenyan National ID
- ✅ KRA PIN
- ✅ Valid mobile number
- ✅ Personal email address
- ✅ Names of your dependents (if any)
Having these on hand will make your process faster and error-free.
What Happens After You Register?
Once registered:
- You’ll receive your SHA Member ID.
- You can start making monthly contributions.
- Employers will enroll staff under corporate SHA plans.
- You’ll gain access to a network of approved hospitals and clinics.
Children must be added as dependents by their parents or guardians.
How to Pay SHA Contributions via M-Pesa
Many blogs skip this part — but we’ve got you covered.
M-PESA Payment Steps:
- Open M-Pesa Menu → Lipa na M-Pesa → Paybill.
- Enter SHA Paybill Number (to be confirmed by SHA).
- Account Number: Your SHA ID or ID Number.
- Enter the monthly contribution amount.
- Enter your PIN and complete.
💬 You’ll receive a confirmation SMS after payment.
Common Registration Errors to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes that slow down registration:
❌ Using a nickname instead of your ID first name
❌ Entering wrong KRA PIN
❌ Skipping dependent registration
❌ Registering twice using different numbers
✅ Use official government documents only.
Who Should Register for SHA?
- All Kenyan citizens (including children)
- Foreign residents with valid permits
- University and college students
- Self-employed and informal sector workers
- Corporate employees (through HR)
Registration is mandatory — and non-compliance may affect access to services.
Public Insight: SHA and Kenya’s Healthcare Future
SHA is more than just an upgrade — it’s a national health strategy.
Kenya is following global best practices from countries like Rwanda and Ghana in their UHC journeys. SHA is expected to reduce medical poverty, eliminate duplicate health schemes, and offer a centralized digital health ecosystem.
Bonus Download: Free SHA Registration Checklist PDF
Need a quick printable guide?
👉 Download the SHA Checklist PDF
Covers:
- Required documents
- Step-by-step instructions
- Payment reminders
- Support contacts
📞 Need Help With SHA Registration?
We’ve helped hundreds register for SHA across Kenya — and we can help you too.
💬 Call/WhatsApp Divas Technology College: +254 115 690 990 or Contact Us
📍 Visit us in Kilifi or get assisted remotely.
🧑💻 Need help registering your team or organization? Let’s handle it.
🔚 Final Thoughts
The SHA marks a historic turning point for Kenya’s health system. Whether you register today via *147# or online, ensure you’re covered. Don’t wait until you need urgent care — be proactive.
Divas College is here to empower, guide, and support you every step of the way. 💙
