SHA Registration in Kenya: How to Register for the Social Health Authority (2026)
The Social Health Authority replaced NHIF in 2024. Millions of Kenyans are still unregistered or stuck in errors. Here is exactly how to register yourself and your dependants.
What Is SHA and Why Does It Matter?
The Social Health Authority (SHA) replaced NHIF under the Social Health Insurance Act 2023, going live on 1 October 2023. SHA covers outpatient and inpatient treatment, maternity care, chronic illness management, mental health services, and emergency treatment. Without a SHA number, you pay full cost at hospitals.
Who Must Register?
Every Kenyan aged 18+ must register. Employed persons are registered through payroll (2.75% of gross salary). Self-employed and informal workers contribute a means-tested amount starting from KSh 500/month.
How to Register — Option A: eCitizen Portal
- Go to ecitizen.go.ke and log in
- Search for Social Health Authority in the services list
- Click Register as Member
- Enter your National ID — details auto-populate from Huduma Namba
- Add dependants (spouse, children under 25)
- Select your contribution tier and set up M-Pesa payment
- Download your SHA membership card (PDF)
Option B: SHA Self-Service Portal
- Go to sha.go.ke → Member Self Service
- Click New Registration and verify via OTP
- Complete the household income declaration form
- Pay first contribution via M-Pesa Paybill 400222, account = your SHA member number
Common SHA Errors and Fixes
- "ID not found in IPRS" — Visit Huduma Centre to update your ID details
- "Phone number already in use" — Each member needs their own number for OTP
- "Previous NHIF record found" — Call SHA on 0800 720 601 (toll-free) to migrate
- Portal crashes on submission — Use Chrome and clear cookies first
Adding Dependants
Log in → Manage Dependants. Add spouse (marriage certificate), children under 18 (birth certificates), children 18–25 in school (school fee structure), disabled dependants (NCPWD card).
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