The Social Health Authority (SHA) officially replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) on December 1, 2025. If you haven’t registered yet, you’re not alone — millions of Kenyans are still trying to figure out the new system.
The good news? SHA registration is actually simpler than NHIF ever was. You can do it from your phone in under 10 minutes.
The bad news? If you don’t register, you and your dependents won’t be able to access government healthcare services. That means no hospital cover, no maternity care, and no chronic illness treatment.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from what SHA is to how to register, add dependents, and make payments.
What is the Social Health Authority (SHA)?
SHA is the government body that now manages health insurance for all Kenyan citizens and legal residents. It was created to replace NHIF with a more modern, efficient system.
SHA Has Three Main Funds:
Who Needs to Register?
- All Kenyan citizens
- Legal residents with valid permits
- Families — including spouses and children as dependents
⚠️ Important: Unlike the old NHIF system, your family is not automatically covered. You MUST manually add your dependents to your SHA profile. Without this step, your spouse and children won’t be able to access treatment under your name .
Documents You Need Before You Start
Have these ready before you begin registration:
- National ID card (or passport for foreign nationals)
- KRA PIN (for adults)
- Birth certificates for children and dependents
- Passport-sized photo for identification
- Marriage certificate (if registering a spouse)
- Proof of residence (utility bill or tenancy agreement)
Option 1: Register via USSD (*147#) — Fastest & Most Reliable
This is the quickest method and works even when the website is slow.
- Dial *147# on your mobile phone
- Select the “Register” option
- Enter your National ID number
- The system will pull your official data from government records
- Follow the prompts to confirm your details
- You’ll receive an SMS confirming successful registration
✅ Pro Tip: This method is ideal if you’re in a rush or if the online portal is experiencing technical issues.
Option 2: Register Online via the SHA Portal
This is the best option if you want to manage your profile and add dependents later.
- Visit https://afyayangu.go.ke (official SHA portal)
- Click “Register”
- Enter your National ID number and phone number
- You’ll receive a One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS — enter it to verify
- Create a secure PIN/digital signature — you’ll use this for future logins
- Fill in your personal details: county, sub-county, and ward
- If you’re unemployed or self-employed, you’ll undergo a quick “means test” to determine your premium rate
- Submit your application
- You’ll receive a confirmation SMS with your SHA number
Option 3: Register via the Afya Yangu Mobile App
For long-term management of your health profile:
- Download the Afya Yangu app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Follow the same registration steps as the web portal
- Use the app to view your contribution history, add dependents, and show your digital membership card at hospitals
Option 4: Register In-Person at Huduma Centres
If you prefer face-to-face assistance:
- Visit your nearest Huduma Centre
- Carry all required documents (ID, birth certificates, KRA PIN, etc.)
- Request SHA registration forms at the service desk
- Fill in your details clearly
- Submit the completed form and documents to the Huduma officer
- You’ll receive a receipt or confirmation slip
How to Add Dependents to Your SHA Account
This is one of the most important steps — and one that many people forget.
Documents needed for each dependent:
To add dependents after registration:
- Log in to the Afya Yangu portal at https://afyayangu.go.ke
- Navigate to “Manage Dependents”
- Enter each dependent’s details and upload required documents
- Submit and wait for verification
How to Pay Your SHA Premium
Once registered, you need to pay your monthly contribution to activate your coverage.
For Salaried Employees:
For Self-Employed or Unemployed Individuals:
- Flat rate of KES 300 per month (subject to means testing to determine if you qualify for government subsidy)
Payment Methods:
Via M-Pesa:
Via Bank Transfer:
- Use the official SHA bank accounts (available at SHA branches)
At Huduma Centres:
How to Check Your SHA Registration Status
Option 1: Online Portal
Option 2: USSD (*147#)
- Dial *147# and select “Check Status” — it instantly tells you if your account is active or if you have pending arrears
Option 3: SMS
Common Registration Errors & How to Fix Them
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is SHA different from NHIF?
Yes. SHA replaced NHIF on December 1, 2025, to create a more modern, streamlined health insurance system.
2. How long does SHA registration take?
Processing typically takes between 24 hours and 7 days, depending on the method used.
3. Can I register my whole family under one account?
Yes. You can include your spouse and children as dependents during or after registration.
4. What happens if I miss a payment?
Your SHA account becomes inactive, and you lose coverage until payments are up to date.
5. Does SHA cover maternity services?
Yes. SHA covers prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care in accredited hospitals.
6. Does SHA cover chronic illnesses?
Yes. The Emergency, Chronic & Critical Illness Fund covers long-term treatments like dialysis and chemotherapy.
Final Word
SHA is here to stay, and registering is the only way to ensure you and your family have access to affordable healthcare in 2026 and beyond.
The process takes less than 10 minutes using USSD *147#. Don’t wait until you or a loved one is sick to register — do it today.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with family and friends who haven’t registered yet. And if you have questions, drop them in the comments — I’ll respond within 24 hours.
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