The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) replaced NHIF, and Kenyans are still confused about the changes. This guide covers exactly what you pay, what you get and what you need to do if you have not yet registered.
What Is SHIF and Why NHIF Was Replaced
NHIF was replaced by three new funds under the Social Health Insurance Act 2023. The three funds are SHIF (Social Health Insurance Fund), EPAF (Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund) and CRAF (Community Re-insurance and Administrative Fund). Together, they are meant to provide broader coverage than the NHIF offers.
SHIF Contribution Rates in 2026
| Covered under the household head | Contribution | Frequency |
| Formal employed (salaried) | 2.75% of gross salary | Monthly via payroll |
| Self-employed / informal | Minimum KSh 300/month | Monthly |
| Unemployed / dependent | Covered under household head | N/A |
| Retirees | Minimum KSh 300/month | Monthly |
For a Kenyan earning KSh 50,000 per month, the SHIF deduction is KSh 1,375 per month. This is higher than the old NHIF flat rate of KSh 500 for most earners.
What SHIF Covers in 2026
- Outpatient services at accredited public and private facilities
- Inpatient hospitalisation, including surgery
- Maternity services — antenatal, delivery and postnatal
- Chronic disease management including diabetes and hypertension
- Dialysis for kidney patients
- Cancer treatment at accredited centres
- Mental health services at approved facilities
What Changed from NHIF to SHIF
| Factor | Old NHIF | New SHIF |
| Contribution basis | Flat rate (KSh 150–1,700) | 2.75% of salary |
| Coverage | Listed procedures only | Broader benefit package |
| Dependants | Up to 5 listed | All household members |
| Emergency cover | Limited | Separate EPAF fund |
| Chronic illness | Partial | Dedicated coverage |
How to Register for SHIF in 2026
- Go to sha.go.ke — the Social Health Authority website
- Click Register and enter your National ID number
- Fill in your personal and household details
- For self-employed, choose your payment tier starting from KSh 300
- Pay contributions via M-PESA Paybill 4080100
- Download your membership card from the portal
How to Use SHIF When You Need Medical Care
- Go to a SHIF-accredited facility — confirm accreditation at sha.go.ke
- Present your National ID or SHIF membership number
- The facility verifies your cover in real time
- You pay any co-payment required — some services are fully covered
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
| Problem | Solution |
| Facility says you are not registered | Check your status at sha.go.ke or call 0800 720 601 |
| Contributions not reflecting | Allow 48 hours then call SHA helpline |
| Dependent not showing on your cover | Update household details at sha.go.ke |
| Claim rejected | Request itemised rejection reason in writing from SHA |
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