How to Check SHA Status in Kenya

Need to check if you’re registered with Social Health Authority (SHA)? This guide shows you how to check your SHA status online and via SMS.

Healthcare digital services concept

What is SHA?

Social Health Authority (SHA) is Kenya’s new universal health coverage system that replaced NHIF in 2024. All Kenyans must register with SHA to access public healthcare services.

Benefits of SHA:

Access to government hospitals and clinics
Outpatient and inpatient services
Maternal care
Emergency services
Chronic disease management

Example: With active SHA registration, you can visit any government hospital and receive treatment at subsidized rates.

Why Check Your SHA Status?

Reasons to check:

Verify you’re registered
Confirm your membership is active
Check dependents are included
Ensure contributions are up to date
Before visiting hospital
After registration to confirm

Example: Before surgery at Kenyatta National Hospital, check SHA status to ensure you qualify for coverage.

What You Need

Before checking status:

National ID number
Phone number (for SMS method)
Internet connection (for online method)
Your SHA membership number (if you have it)

Example: If you registered last year, you should have SHA membership number starting with “SHA…”

Person using smartphone for health services

Method 1: Check SHA Status Online

Step 1: Visit SHA Portal

Open your web browser and go to: www.sha.go.ke

Or visit: portal.sha.go.ke

Example: Works on phone, tablet, or computer. Use Chrome or Firefox for best experience.

Step 2: Navigate to Member Portal

On SHA website homepage:

Look for Member Portal or Check Status button
Click on it
Or find Self Service section

Example: Usually prominent on homepage - “Check Your SHA Status” or similar.

Step 3: Enter Your Details

Fill in the verification form:

Required Information:

National ID number
Date of birth
Or SHA membership number (if you have it)

Example:

ID Number: 12345678
Date of Birth: 01/01/1990

Step 4: Complete Verification

Enter CAPTCHA code shown on screen.

Click Submit or Check Status

Example: CAPTCHA might show “JK3M” - type exactly as shown.

Online form being completed

Step 5: View Your SHA Status

Your status will display showing:

Information Shown:

Registration status (Active/Inactive)
SHA membership number
Member name
Date of registration
Principal member (if you’re dependent)
Contribution status
List of dependents

Example:

Status: ACTIVE
Member Number: SHA123456789
Name: JOHN KAMAU
Registered: 15/10/2024
Contribution: Up to Date
Dependents: 3

Step 6: Save or Print

Options to:

Download membership certificate
Print status page
Save screenshot

Example: Screenshot your status page to show at hospital if needed.

Method 2: Check SHA Status via SMS

Quick method using your phone.

Step 1: Compose SMS

Create new SMS message.

Format: ID [Your National ID Number]

Example: If your ID is 12345678, type:

ID 12345678

Step 2: Send to SHA Number

Send the SMS to: 21101

Example: SMS sent to 21101 with message “ID 12345678”

Step 3: Wait for Reply

Within 1-5 minutes, you’ll receive SMS response with your SHA status.

Example Reply:

SHA Status: ACTIVE
Name: JOHN KAMAU
Member No: SHA123456789
Contributions: Up to date
For more info visit www.sha.go.ke

Cost: Standard SMS rates apply (approximately KES 1-2 depending on your network).

Mobile phone showing SMS message

Method 3: Using USSD Code

Some networks may support USSD:

Step 1: Dial SHA Code

Dial: *147#

Press Call

Note: This code may vary or be introduced in future updates. Check SHA website for current USSD codes.

Step 2: Select Option

From menu:

Select Check Status
Or Member Services

Step 3: Enter Details

Enter your National ID number when prompted.

Step 4: View Results

Your SHA status appears on screen.

Example: “Your SHA status is ACTIVE. Member since Oct 2024.”

Method 4: Visit Healthcare Facility

You can check status at any SHA-registered facility.

Step 1: Go to Hospital

Visit any government hospital or health center.

What to Carry:

National ID
Or birth certificate (for children)

Example: Nearest health center, district hospital, or national hospital.

Step 2: Go to Records Office

Ask for:

SHA registration desk
Records office
Customer service

Example: “I want to check my SHA registration status.”

Step 3: Provide Details

Give your:

National ID number
Name
Date of birth

Staff will check in system.

Step 4: Confirm Status

Staff will tell you:

If you’re registered
Your membership number
If contributions are current
Any issues to resolve

Example: “You’re registered. Membership SHA123456789. Contributions up to date.”

Understanding Your SHA Status

Status Types:

Active

✅ Fully registered
✅ Contributions up to date
✅ Can access services
✅ All benefits available

Example: Status: ACTIVE means you can visit hospital and receive covered services.

Inactive

❌ Registration lapsed
❌ Contributions overdue
❌ Limited service access
⚠️ Need to update

Example: Status: INACTIVE means you must pay arrears before accessing non-emergency services.

Pending

⏳ Application submitted
⏳ Being processed
⏳ Wait 3-7 days
⏳ Check again later

Example: Status: PENDING means your registration is being verified.

Not Registered

❌ No SHA record found
❌ Never registered
⚠️ Need to register
⚠️ No coverage

Example: Status: NOT REGISTERED means you must complete SHA registration first.

Healthcare status dashboard

What to Do Based on Your Status

If Status is Active

✅ Good! You’re covered.

Next Steps:

Save your membership number
Ensure monthly contributions continue
Add dependents if needed
Use services at SHA facilities

Example: Keep SHA number saved in phone notes for hospital visits.

If Status is Inactive

⚠️ Action needed.

Next Steps:

Check why inactive (arrears? Expired?)
Pay any outstanding contributions
Update registration if details changed
Visit SHA office or facility to reactivate

Example: If 3 months unpaid, pay arrears to reactivate membership.

If Not Registered

❌ Must register.

Next Steps:

Visit nearest SHA registration center
Carry national ID and passport photo
Complete registration form
Start monthly contributions
Receive membership number

Example: Visit Huduma Centre or county hospital to register for SHA.

Checking Dependents’ Status

To check if your dependents are covered:

Online Method:

Log into SHA portal with your details
View My Dependents section
See list of covered family members

Example: See wife and 2 children listed under your membership.

SMS Method:

Send SMS: DEPENDENTS [Your ID Number] to 21101

Receive list of dependents.

At Facility:

Ask staff to check dependents on your membership.

Example: “Can you confirm my children are on my SHA registration?”

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: SMS says “ID not found” Solution: Verify you entered correct ID number. If correct and still not found, you may need to register. Visit SHA office.

Problem: Website not loading Solution: Try different browser. Clear cache. Try during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening).

Problem: Status shows “Pending” for weeks Solution: Visit SHA office or call helpline. May need to resubmit documents.

Problem: Contributions up to date but status shows “Inactive” Solution: System delay. Wait 24-48 hours. If persists, visit SHA office with payment receipts.

Problem: Can’t remember SHA membership number Solution: Use ID number to check status - membership number will be displayed.

Problem: Status different at hospital vs online Solution: Hospital system may be delayed. Show online status printout to hospital staff.

Important Tips

Check status before visiting hospital for planned procedures
Save your SHA membership number in phone
Check status monthly to ensure contributions are recorded
Update details if you change phone number or address
Add dependents (spouse, children) as soon as possible
Keep contribution receipts as proof of payment
If status incorrect, report immediately - don’t wait
Screenshot or print status for hospital visits
Check dependents’ status separately if needed
Status updates may take 24-48 hours after payment

SHA Contribution Rates

Current Rates (as of 2026):

Employed:

2.75% of gross salary
Deducted monthly by employer
Automatically remitted to SHA

Example: Salary KES 50,000 → SHA contribution = KES 1,375 per month

Self-Employed:

Tiered rates based on income
KES 300 - KES 6,000 per month
Pay directly to SHA

Example: Small business owner earning KES 30,000/month might pay KES 500-800

Informal Sector:

Minimum KES 300 per month
Pay via M-Pesa, banks, or agents
Voluntary compliance

Example: Mama mboga can pay KES 300 monthly for family coverage.

How to Pay SHA Contributions

Payment Methods:

M-Pesa Paybill:

Paybill: 200222
Account: Your SHA membership number
Amount: Your contribution

Example: Pay KES 500 to Paybill 200222, Account SHA123456789

Bank:

Direct debit
Standing order
Over the counter

Employers:

Automatic salary deduction
Remitted monthly

SHA Agents:

Visit authorized agents
Pay in cash
Receive receipt

Mobile payment interface

Benefits of Active SHA Membership

Covered Services:

Outpatient consultations
Inpatient care
Surgery
Maternity services
Child healthcare
Chronic disease management
Emergency services
Specialist consultations
Laboratory tests
Radiology (X-rays, scans)
Prescription medicines

Example: With active SHA, childbirth at county hospital costs little to nothing out of pocket.

SHA vs Former NHIF

Key Differences:

Coverage:

SHA: Universal (all Kenyans)
NHIF: Voluntary registration

Contributions:

SHA: Income-based (2.75%)
NHIF: Fixed rates by salary bands

Benefits:

SHA: Comprehensive package
NHIF: Limited package

Administration:

SHA: Single national authority
NHIF: Was separate fund

Example: SHA aims to cover all Kenyans automatically through employment or voluntary registration.

Contact Information

SHA Helpline:

Call: 0709 053 000
Email: info@sha.go.ke
Website: www.sha.go.ke

Working Hours:

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed weekends and public holidays

Physical Offices:

Headquarters: Nairobi
County offices: In all 47 counties
Registration centers: At Huduma Centres

For Complaints:

Email: complaints@sha.go.ke
Call helpline
Visit nearest office

Social Media:

Twitter: @SHA_Kenya
Facebook: Social Health Authority Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I check SHA status? A: Monthly, especially after making contributions.

Q: Is checking status free? A: Online is free. SMS costs standard SMS rate (KES 1-2).

Q: How long after payment does status update? A: Usually 24-48 hours.

Q: Can I check status for family members? A: If they’re your dependents, yes. Otherwise, they check their own.

Q: What if hospital says I’m not covered but online shows active? A: Show hospital your online status printout. Their system may be delayed.

Q: Do I need membership card? A: Not mandatory. Your ID number links to SHA record. But card helps.

Q: Can I check status before registering? A: Yes, to confirm you’re not already registered (some auto-registered from NHIF).

Registration vs Status Check

Don’t Confuse:

Registration:

First-time signing up
Requires forms, ID, photo
Done once
Get membership number

Status Check:

Verifying existing registration
Checking if active
Done regularly
Confirm coverage

Example: Register once when joining SHA. Check status monthly to ensure it’s active.

Next Steps After Checking Status

If Active:

Continue monthly contributions
Use services when needed
Add dependents if applicable
Keep membership number safe

If Inactive:

Pay arrears immediately
Update personal details
Reactivate membership
Check status after payment

If Not Registered:

Visit registration center today
Complete forms
Submit documents
Start contributions

Example: Active status? Great! Save your SHA number: SHA123456789 for future hospital visits.

Using SHA Services

At Hospital:

Arrival:
- Go to registration/records
- Provide ID and SHA number
- Staff verify status
Treatment:
- See doctor
- Get prescribed treatment
- SHA covers most costs
Payment:
- Pay small co-payment if required
- Much cheaper than without SHA
- Get receipt

Example: Consultation fee KES 50 instead of KES 1,000+ for non-SHA members.

Final Checklist

Remember: Active SHA status means you and your family can access quality healthcare at government facilities across Kenya. Check your status regularly and keep contributions current!