Answering the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Social Health Authority (SHA)
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
STEP BY STEP INSURANCE IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH SHIF/SHA. WE ARE A PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANY DEALING WITH VARIOUS INSURANCE PRODUCTS INCLUDING AFFORDABLE MEDICAL INSURANCE THAT CAN BE BUNDLED WITH SHA TO GIVE YOU THE BEST COVERAGE.
FOR SHA INQUIRIES, CONTACT THE SOCIAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (SHA) IN KENYA THROUGH VARIOUS CHANNELS. CALL THEIR TOLL-FREE NUMBER AT 0800 720 601 OR SEND AN EMAIL TO CUSTOMERCARE@SHA.GO.KE OR INFO@SHA.GO.KE.
SHA stands for Social Health Authority, a public institution created under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, mandated to ensure universal access to affordable and quality healthcare for all residents of Kenya. It replaces NHIF and now manages three distinct funds: Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF), Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF), and Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Key Takeaways
- SHA replaces NHIF as Kenya’s primary health insurance provider
- All residents must register and contribute monthly
- Contributions are 2.75% of gross income (min. KSh 300/month)
- Registration is done via *147#, online, or at SHA offices
- Former NHIF members are automatically transferred to SHA
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Table of Contents
Who is the CEO of SHA?
As of April 11, 2025, Dr. Mercy Mwangangi is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
About Dr. Mercy Mwangangi
- Former Health CAS in the Ministry of Health
- Previously served as Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa
- Selected from 92 applicants and 12 shortlisted candidates
- Expert in health financing, universal health coverage (UHC), and health policy reform
Appointment Statement by CS Aden Duale
“Dr. Mwangangi is a proven leader in governance, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships… Her track record makes her well-suited to lead SHA into its next chapter.”
Dr. Mwangangi becomes the first full CEO of SHA, taking over from former Acting CEO Elijah Wachira.
Transferring from NHIF to SHA
The transition from NHIF to SHA has been designed to be seamless for members:
Automatic Transition Process
- No action required by members: All NHIF accounts, contributions, and biometric data have been automatically migrated to SHA
- National ID as access card: Your National ID replaces the NHIF card for facility access
- Service continuity: Healthcare services continue without interruption during the transition
How to Register for SHA/SHIF in Kenya
Registration for SHA/SHIF is accessible through multiple channels:
Available Registration Channels
- Dial *147# from your mobile phone
- Online at the official SHA website
- Visit a SHA branch or Huduma Centre
- Get assistance from a Community Health Promoter (CHP)
- Call the toll-free line: 0800 720 601
Registration Requirements
- Original National ID (or valid identification for non-citizens)
- Personal details (full names, date of birth, contact information)
- Details for dependents (spouse, children) including identification documents
How much is SHA (SHIF) payment per month?
SHIF contributions are calculated as 2.75% of gross income with a minimum contribution of KSh 300 per month.
| Gross Salary (KSh) | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| 30,000 | 825 |
| 50,000 | 1,375 |
| 70,000 | 1,925 |
| 100,000 | 2,750 |
| 1,000,000 | 27,500 |
Special Cases
- Informal sector: Contributions based on declared income
- Unemployed persons: Minimum contribution of KSh 300 per month
How to pay for SHA in Kenya?
Multiple payment options are available for SHA contributions:
MPESA Payment
- Go to Lipa na MPESA → Paybill
- Enter Paybill: 200222
- Account Number: Your National ID Number
- Enter the required amount
- Enter your MPESA PIN and confirm
Other Payment Methods
- Payroll deductions: For salaried workers (handled by employers)
- Bank deposits: Available at Equity, KCB, NBK, ABSA, Co-op, and Sidian banks
- SHA Employer Portal: For businesses to manage employee contributions
How to add dependents to SHA?
You can add dependents during initial registration or after completing your own registration:
Adding a Spouse
- Copies of both spouses’ IDs
- Marriage certificate or affidavit
- Passport-sized photograph
Adding Children
- Birth certificate for each child
- Birth notification for newborns (0-6 months old)
- Passport-sized photograph for each child
Important: Newborns should be added within 14 days of birth to ensure coverage from birth.
How can employers register for SHA?
Employers must register their organizations and employees with SHA:
Employer Registration Process
- Create an employer account at www.sha.go.ke
- Verify organization details (KRA PIN, business registration)
- Upload employee information (ID numbers, gross salaries)
- Deduct 2.75% from employee salaries each month
- Remit both employee and employer contributions to SHIF
Deadline: All employers must onboard employees by October 1, 2024.
What services are covered under SHA?
SHA provides comprehensive health coverage including:
| Service Category | Covered Services |
|---|---|
| Primary Care | Outpatient services, preventive care, vaccinations |
| Hospital Care | Inpatient services, surgeries, specialized treatments |
| Maternal & Newborn | Antenatal care, delivery, postnatal care, newborn care |
| Mental Health | Counseling, psychiatric consultations, therapy |
| Chronic Conditions | Diabetes, hypertension, asthma management |
| Emergency Care | Emergency treatments covered under ECCIF |
| Diagnostics | Laboratory tests, imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT scan) |
How to check my SHA registration status?
You can verify your SHA registration through multiple channels:
Verification Methods
- USSD: Dial *147# and follow the prompts
- Online Portal: Log in to the SHA portal with your ID number
- SHA Offices: Visit any SHA branch for assistance
Through these channels, you can confirm your registration status, verify dependents, and check contribution history.
Is SHA registration mandatory?
Yes, registration with SHA is mandatory for:
- All Kenyan citizens
- Legal residents in Kenya
- Refugees and asylum seekers
Registration and regular contributions are required to access subsidized public healthcare services in Kenya.
What happens if I don’t register for SHA?
Failure to register or contribute to SHA may result in:
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Limited access to subsidized healthcare services
- Ineligibility for free care at public health facilities
- Financial penalties for non-compliance
- Restricted access to certain public services requiring SHA compliance
- Potential challenges when needing emergency medical care
Why SHA replaced NHIF
The transition from NHIF to SHA was implemented to address systemic challenges:
Key Reasons for the Transition
| Objective | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Improved transparency | Better accountability in healthcare funding |
| Targeted services | Three specialized funds for different healthcare needs |
| Enhanced UHC | Progress toward Universal Health Coverage goals |
| Financial protection | Prevention of catastrophic health spending |
| Efficiency | Streamlined processes and digital access |
| Equity | Fair contribution system based on income |
Helpful Resources
A Comprehensive Guide to SHA Packages in Kenya
Understand the different SHA packages available and which one is right for you and your family.
Read GuideAfya Yangu Registration in Kenya
Step-by-step instructions on how to register for Afya Yangu, the SHA digital platform.
Navigating SHIF Registration
A detailed walkthrough of the SHIF registration process with screenshots and troubleshooting tips.
Step-by-Step GuideFAQs on Social Health Authority (SHA)
Answers to the most common questions about SHA coverage, payments, and benefits.
View FAQsContact SHA Office
Talk to SHA: info@sha.go.ke or customercare@sha.go.ke
SHA Branches Across Kenya
Conclusion
The Social Health Authority (SHA) represents a crucial step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage in Kenya. With Dr. Mercy Mwangangi now at the helm, SHA is positioned to deliver more structured, inclusive, and accountable healthcare services to all Kenyans.
We encourage all residents to register via *147# or at sha.go.ke to access affordable healthcare services.
December 2, 2024 @ 11:33 am
Pay bill is 200222 end account is ??
December 31, 2024 @ 4:59 am
For SHIF contributions, employers should remit payments to one of the designated bank accounts. Here are the account numbers for the six banks authorized to handle SHIF remittances:
KCB Bank (Capitol Hill Branch): Account Number 1329035704 2. Sidian Bank (Kilimani Branch): Account Number 01036020040330 3. Cooperative Bank (Upper Hill Branch): Account Number 01101176474001 4. Equity Bank (Community Branch): Account Number 0170285746991 5. Absa Bank (Absa Towers Branch): Account Number 2052202135 6. Diamond Trust Bank (Capital Centre Branch): Account Number 0298631001
The account name for all these banks is Social Health Insurance Fund