From NHIF to SHA — What Changed and Why It Matters

The change everyone is still confused about

In October 2024, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) was replaced by the Social Health Authority (SHA), which runs the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). The law now makes health cover mandatory — every Kenyan household is expected to register with SHA, whether salaried or not. Months on, millions are still unsure how to register, how much to pay, and whether their old NHIF counts.

That confusion is your opportunity. Health cover is not optional any more and it touches everyone — so the person who can register a household quickly and correctly will never lack clients.

SHA, SHIF and the three funds

SHA administers more than one fund. Knowing the structure lets you answer clients clearly:

• •SHIF (Social Health Insurance Fund) — the main contribution-based cover for outpatient and inpatient care
• •Primary Health Care Fund — government-funded primary care at the lower levels
• •Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund — for emergencies and long-term illness beyond SHIF limits

Who must register

Everyone resident in Kenya is expected to register with SHA — salaried employees (through their employer and payroll), non-salaried and informal workers (through a means assessment), and their dependants. Even people who had active NHIF need to be in the SHA system. Your clients are, quite literally, everyone.