Understanding the Social Health Authority (SHA) in Kenya
The Social Health Authority (SHA) is a transformative initiative by the Government of Kenya established under Section 25 of the Social Health Insurance Act (SHIA), aimed at ensuring equitable access to comprehensive healthcare for all residents. Replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), SHA consolidates all health insurance contributions and channels them into an inclusive national fund to improve healthcare financing.
Purpose and Structure
SHA is tasked with pooling contributions from individuals, employers, and the government to purchase healthcare services from empaneled and contracted providers. These services are delivered through a structured referral system beginning at primary healthcare levels and extending to secondary and tertiary care across Level 4, 5, and 6 facilities.
The authority ensures that:
- All residents have access to preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative healthcare services.
- Financial hardship is not a barrier to accessing essential medical care.
- Contributions from formal and informal sectors, as well as subsidies for vulnerable groups, are used transparently and efficiently.
SHA Benefits
Members of SHA are entitled to the following health benefits:
- Preventive and promotive healthcare
- Outpatient and inpatient care services
- Emergency and critical care
- Chronic illness management
- Maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health services
- Palliative and rehabilitative care
All services are offered through certified Level 4, 5, and 6 healthcare facilities.
Who Should Register?
Every resident in Kenya—citizens and legal residents—is required to register with SHA. This includes adults, children (with birth certificates), foreign residents (with Alien IDs), and persons under lawful custody. Registration must be completed within 90 days of the SHA regulations coming into force.
SHA Registration Process
A. Web Self-Registration
- Visit the SHA Portal
- Click on “Register” and follow the prompts
- Accept terms and conditions, input personal details, and submit
B. USSD Registration
- Dial *147# on your mobile phone
- Accept terms and conditions
- Enter your ID and name, then complete the required fields
C. Assisted Registration
- Visit a Huduma Centre or authorized SHA agent
- Provide your ID and details of dependents
- Biometric data is captured, and application submitted
Contributions and Funding
SHA is funded through:
- 2.75% Payroll deductions from salaried employees
- Matching employer contributions
- Direct contributions from informal workers
- Government subsidies for indigent and vulnerable populations
Employers are legally obligated to remit deductions on behalf of employees. Failure to comply may lead to penalties.
Accessing Services
Registered members can access healthcare through empaneled providers. Biometric verification will be used to ensure identity and track services provided. The referral pathway begins at the primary care level, with escalation to higher-level hospitals when needed.
Dependents—such as children and spouses—can be listed under a member’s coverage during registration.
Frequently asked Questions
How can I register for the Social Health Authority?
You can register through 3 ways:
1. Web Self registration: Register online on the SHA website
2. USSD Self registration: Dial *147# on your mobile device then follow prompts.
3. Assisted enrolment: Visit your nearest Huduma Centre/agent
Who is eligible to register for the Social Health Authority?
Every person residing in Kenya is required to apply for registration to the Social Health Authority, with specific provisions for children who lack identification documents.
What Identification documents are required for registration?
You require a National ID Number as an adult. For children, a birth certificate. Foreign residents may use their Foreign Resident Certificate (Alien ID) or a Refugee ID for refugees.
Can children be registered for the Social Health Authority? If yes, how?
Yes, children can be registered for the Social Health Authority. An application or a child without a form of identification should be accompanied by documentation provided by the state department responsible for social protection.
What are the benefits covered under the Social Health Authority?
The fund covers integrated preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative health services provided at level 4, 5, and 6 health facilities
How are contributions to the Social Health Authority made?
Contributions to a Social Health Authority shall be through payroll deductions for employed individuals, direct contributions from self-employed individuals, and government subsidies for indigent and vulnerable populations.
Are employers required to contribute to the Social Health Authority for their employees?
Employers will contribute a 2.75% of their employees’ salaries to the health insurance fund.
What healthcare services are purchased by the Social Health Authority?
The fund purchases healthcare services from empaneled and contracted providers, including primary healthcare services, referrals to secondary and tertiary care, and specific packages for chronic and critical illnesses.
Who qualifies as a dependent under the Social Health Authority?
Dependents typically include the spouse, children, and sometimes other relatives of the primary insured who depend on them for financial support and are included under their coverage.
Can indigent and vulnerable persons receive coverage under the Social Health Authority?
Yes, the fund specifically receives contributions for indigents, vulnerable persons, and persons under lawful custody, indicating provisions for their coverage.
Are there any specific benefits for chronic and critical illnesses?
The fund provides for the treatment and management of chronic illnesses and critical care services beyond the essential healthcare benefits package
