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Finance

How to Register for SHA/SHIF in Kenya: Step-by-Step Guide

7 min read
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Easy Access Staff

Why You Need to Register

SHA/SHIF is Kenya’s universal health insurance. Registration ensures you and your family can access healthcare when needed without large bills.

Everyone should register: Employed, self-employed, unemployed, students—everyone.

Before You Start

What You Need

  1. National ID or Passport number
  2. Phone number (registered in your name)
  3. KRA PIN (if employed or self-employed)
  4. Bank account or M-Pesa (for self-employed payments)
  5. Dependent details (ID numbers or birth certificates for spouse and children)

Check If You’re Already Registered

Many NHIF members were automatically migrated to SHA/SHIF.

Check your status:

  • Dial *147# and select “Check Registration Status”
  • Or visit sha.go.ke portal
  • Or call 0800 720 721

If already registered: Verify your details are correct and update if needed.

Registration Method 1: USSD Code (*147#)

Easiest method - works on any phone, no internet needed.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Dial *147# from your Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom line

Step 2: Select language (Swahili or English)

Step 3: Choose “Register for SHA/SHIF” or option “1”

Step 4: Enter your National ID number

  • Type carefully
  • Double-check before submitting

Step 5: Enter your KRA PIN

  • Required for employed and self-employed
  • If you don’t have one, see “Get KRA PIN” section below

Step 6: Enter your phone number

  • Must be registered in your name
  • You’ll receive an OTP (One-Time Password)

Step 7: Enter OTP received via SMS

  • Usually arrives within 1-2 minutes
  • Valid for 5 minutes

Step 8: Choose your employment status

  1. Formal employment (salaried)
  2. Self-employed
  3. Unemployed
  4. Student

Step 9: Enter income details

  • If employed: Enter gross monthly salary
  • If self-employed: Enter estimated monthly income
  • If unemployed/student: Select “No income” (government may subsidize)

Step 10: Add dependents (optional, can add later)

  • Enter spouse ID number
  • Enter children’s ID numbers or birth certificate numbers
  • Confirm relationships

Step 11: Review and confirm all details

Step 12: Receive confirmation SMS

  • Your SHIF number
  • Keep this number safe

Done! You’re now registered.

Registration Method 2: Online Portal

Good if you have internet and want to upload documents.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Visit sha.go.ke

Step 2: Click “Register” or “Sign Up”

Step 3: Choose registration type

  • Individual registration
  • Employer registration (for companies)
  • Dependent registration

Step 4: Fill in personal details

  • Full names (as on ID)
  • National ID number
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Phone number
  • Email address (optional but helpful)

Step 5: Create login credentials

  • Username
  • Strong password
  • Security questions

Step 6: Enter employment details

  • Employment status (formal, self-employed, unemployed)
  • Employer name and PIN (if employed)
  • Monthly income

Step 7: Enter KRA PIN

  • Links your tax records
  • Validates income information

Step 8: Add dependents

  • Click “Add Dependent”
  • Fill in details for each (spouse, children, parents)
  • Upload birth certificates or IDs

Step 9: Upload supporting documents

  • Scanned copy of ID (both sides)
  • KRA PIN certificate
  • Marriage certificate (for spouse)
  • Birth certificates (for children)

Step 10: Review all information carefully

Step 11: Accept terms and conditions

Step 12: Submit application

Step 13: Receive confirmation email and SMS

  • Your SHIF number
  • Login details for portal

Step 14: Activate your account (follow link in email)

Done! You can now log in and manage your account.

Registration Method 3: SHA Office or Huduma Centre

If you prefer in-person assistance.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Find nearest SHA office or Huduma Centre

  • Check sha.go.ke for locations
  • Or call 0800 720 721

Step 2: Bring required documents

  • Original National ID
  • KRA PIN certificate (print from iTax)
  • Dependents’ IDs or birth certificates
  • Employment letter (if employed)
  • Recent payslip (if employed)

Step 3: Queue and wait for your turn

  • Arrive early (offices open 8am)
  • Get a queue number

Step 4: Meet with SHA staff

  • They’ll help you fill registration form
  • Verify your documents
  • Answer any questions

Step 5: Provide biometric data

  • Fingerprints
  • Photo (at some centers)

Step 6: Receive confirmation

  • SHIF number given immediately or via SMS
  • Keep your registration slip

Done! Registration complete.

For Employers: Registering Employees

Bulk Registration

Step 1: Employer registers with SHA

  • Company KRA PIN
  • Certificate of incorporation
  • List of all employees

Step 2: Submit employee details

  • Via Excel template (download from sha.go.ke)
  • Or through employer portal

Step 3: Employees receive SHIF numbers

  • Via SMS or email
  • Employer provides to HR

Step 4: Begin monthly contributions

  • Deduct 2.75% from each employee’s gross salary
  • Remit to SHA by 9th of following month

Adding or Updating Dependents

Via USSD (*147#)

  1. Dial *147#
  2. Select “Manage Dependents”
  3. Choose “Add Dependent” or “Remove Dependent”
  4. Enter dependent’s ID or birth certificate number
  5. Select relationship (spouse, child, parent)
  6. Confirm

Via Online Portal

  1. Log in to sha.go.ke
  2. Go to “My Profile” or “Dependents”
  3. Click “Add Dependent”
  4. Fill in details
  5. Upload documents if required
  6. Submit

Important: Add newborns within 30 days of birth using birth notification or clinic card.

Making Your First Payment (Self-Employed)

Calculate Your Contribution

  • 2.75% of monthly income
  • Minimum KES 300/month

Example: If you earn KES 30,000/month → 30,000 × 0.0275 = KES 825

Payment Methods

1. M-Pesa

  • Go to M-Pesa menu
  • Select “Lipa na M-Pesa”
  • Select “PayBill”
  • Business number: [SHA Paybill - check current number]
  • Account number: Your SHIF number
  • Amount: Your contribution
  • Enter M-Pesa PIN
  • Confirm

2. Bank Transfer

  • SHA bank account details on sha.go.ke
  • Use your SHIF number as reference

3. KCB M-Pesa, Airtel Money, T-Kash

  • Similar process to M-Pesa

Payment Deadline

  • Pay by 9th of each month
  • Covers you for that month
  • Late payment may affect coverage

Common Errors and Solutions

Error: “ID Number Not Found”

Cause: ID not in system or typo

Solution:

  • Double-check ID number (no spaces, hyphens, or letters)
  • If new ID, wait 2-3 weeks for it to be in system
  • Try alternative registration method (portal or office)

Error: “KRA PIN Invalid”

Cause: PIN not registered or typo

Solution:

  • Verify KRA PIN at itax.kra.go.ke
  • Ensure it matches your ID exactly
  • If don’t have KRA PIN, get one first (see below)

Error: “Phone Number Already Registered”

Cause: Number used for another account

Solution:

  • Use different phone number
  • Or visit SHA office to unlink old registration

Error: “OTP Not Received”

Cause: Network delay or wrong number

Solution:

  • Wait 5 minutes
  • Check your message inbox (including spam/blocked)
  • Ensure number is active
  • Try again during off-peak hours
  • Use portal method instead

Error: “System Timeout”

Cause: High traffic on system

Solution:

  • Try during off-peak hours (early morning, late evening)
  • Use alternative method (portal if you used USSD, or vice versa)

Error: “Dependent Already Registered”

Cause: Dependent registered under another principal member

Solution:

  • Check with dependent if they registered independently
  • Visit SHA office to resolve—can’t be under two accounts

Getting a KRA PIN (If You Don’t Have One)

Online Method

  1. Visit itax.kra.go.ke
  2. Click “Register PIN”
  3. Choose “Individual PIN”
  4. Fill in details (ID number, phone, email)
  5. Submit
  6. Receive PIN via email (usually within 24 hours)

Huduma Centre Method

  1. Visit nearest Huduma Centre
  2. Request KRA PIN registration
  3. Provide ID and phone number
  4. PIN issued same day or next day

Note: KRA PIN is free. Don’t pay anyone for it.

Verifying Your Registration

Check Registration Status

Via USSD:

  • Dial *147#
  • Select “Check Registration Status”
  • Enter ID number
  • View status and SHIF number

Via Portal:

  • Log in to sha.go.ke
  • Dashboard shows registration status
  • View your SHIF number and dependents

Via SMS:

  • Send ID number to [SHA SMS number]
  • Receive status reply

What to Check

  • Your SHIF number is active
  • Personal details correct (name, ID, phone)
  • Employment status correct
  • Income recorded correctly
  • All dependents listed
  • Contributions up to date (for self-employed)

Using Your SHIF After Registration

Immediate Coverage

  • Emergency services covered immediately
  • Other services may have short waiting period (check current policy)

At Health Facility

  1. Bring your National ID
  2. Tell them you’re covered by SHA/SHIF
  3. They verify your membership
  4. Receive services
  5. Minimal or no payment required

Finding Contracted Facilities

  • Visit sha.go.ke
  • Select “Find a Facility”
  • Search by location or facility name
  • Or call 0800 720 721

Keeping Your Registration Active

For Employed

  • Ensure employer deducts and remits contributions
  • Check payslip monthly
  • If employer isn’t remitting, report to SHA

For Self-Employed

  • Pay by 9th of every month
  • Keep M-Pesa confirmation messages
  • Set a monthly reminder
  • Update income if it changes significantly

For All

  • Update phone number if you change it
  • Add newborn dependents within 30 days
  • Remove dependents who no longer qualify (e.g., child turns 18 and isn’t in school)
  • Keep your contact details current

Getting Help

SHA Contact Channels

Toll-Free Call Center: 0800 720 721

  • Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
  • Free from all networks
  • For questions, complaints, guidance

USSD: *147#

  • 24/7 access
  • Quick transactions

Website: sha.go.ke

  • Registration
  • Information
  • Download forms

Email: info@sha.go.ke

  • For detailed inquiries
  • Response within 48 hours

Social Media:

  • Twitter: @SHA_Kenya
  • Facebook: Social Health Authority Kenya

Physical Offices:

  • Main office: Nairobi (check website for address)
  • County SHA offices

County Health Offices

  • Can assist with registration
  • Answer general questions
  • Link you to SHA services

Checklist: After Registration

✅ Received SHIF number (via SMS/email) ✅ Saved SHIF number safely ✅ All dependents added ✅ Payment method set up (if self-employed) ✅ Verified details on portal ✅ Know nearest SHA-contracted facilities ✅ Saved SHA helpline: 0800 720 721 ✅ Set monthly payment reminder (if self-employed)

Take Action Today

If not registered: Choose your preferred method (USSD, online, or office) and register today. It takes 10-15 minutes.

If already registered: Log in to verify your details, add any missing dependents, and ensure contributions are current.

If you’re an employer: Register your company and employees to comply with the law and protect your workers.

SHA/SHIF registration is your gateway to affordable, accessible healthcare. Don’t wait until you’re sick. Register now, keep your account active, and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re covered when health needs arise.