How to Register Your Employees for NSSF and SHA in Kenya

Why NSSF and SHA Registration Matters for Kenyan Employers

As a Kenyan employer, registering your employees for the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and Social Health Authority (SHA) is not optional—it's a legal requirement under the Employment Act and the Social Health Insurance Act 2023. Failure to comply attracts penalties from the Ministry of Labour and the SHA regulator. Both schemes protect your workforce and ensure your business meets statutory obligations in 2026.

NSSF Employee Registration: Step-by-Step Process

The NSSF operates two tiers. Tier 1 (mandatory) is for all private sector employees earning KSh 3,000–KSh 30,000 monthly. Tier 2 (voluntary) allows contributions beyond the mandatory cap.

Access the NSSF Portal

• Visit the official NSSF online portal at www.nssf.or.ke
• Register your organisation if not already registered, using your KRA PIN (from itax.kra.go.ke)
• Create employer login credentials with valid email and password

Register Individual Employees

• Input each employee's full name, ID number, and date of birth
• Specify gross monthly salary (NSSF calculates 6% employee + 6% employer contribution)
• Designate a Tier 1 contributor status; Tier 2 is optional
• Submit and receive an NSSF membership number for each employee

Monthly contributions are deducted via payroll and remitted before the 10th of the following month. Use M-Pesa or bank transfer to NSSF's designated accounts. Our NSSF registration experts can guide payroll integration if needed.

SHA Employee Registration: The New Health Scheme

The Social Health Authority replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in 2024. All employers with employees must register them in 2026.

Steps to Register via the SHA Platform

• Access www.sha.go.ke or use the SHA mobile app
• Register your organisation using your KRA PIN and business registration details
• Link employee details: names, ID numbers, and monthly gross salary
• SHA premium is 2.75% of gross salary (employee + employer contribution)
• Confirm registration and receive employer and employee certificates

Premium Payment and Compliance

Premiums are remitted monthly by the 10th of the following month. SHA offers different coverage tiers based on salary bands. Check www.sha.go.ke for 2026 premium rates, as they adjust annually. Payment can be made via M-Pesa, bank transfer, or online via ecitizen.go.ke if available in your region.

Key Compliance Tips for 2026

• Maintain updated records: Any salary changes must be reported immediately to both NSSF and SHA
• Keep proof of remittance: Retain M-Pesa receipts and bank statements for audit purposes
• Register new employees within 30 days of joining, as mandated by law
• Reconcile monthly: Cross-check payroll deductions with NSSF and SHA statements

Confused about timelines or documentation? SHA registration experts and verified Kenyan compliance consultants on Kaziiko can handle the process end-to-end, ensuring your business stays compliant and your employees protected.