Comprehensive Guide to SHA Registration in Kenya

The Social Health Authority (SHA) is a significant development in Kenya’s healthcare landscape, designed to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to all residents. As the successor to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), SHA aims to enhance access to healthcare services and promote universal health coverage (UHC) across the nation. This blog post will guide you through the process of registering for SHA in Kenya, ensuring you understand the importance of this initiative and how to navigate the registration steps effectively.

Understanding the Social Health Authority (SHA)

The Social Health Authority (SHA) is a government body established under the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023. Its primary role is to manage health insurance schemes that pool contributions from individuals and employers to provide healthcare services. The SHA focuses on integrated preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative health services, ensuring that all Kenyans have access to essential healthcare.

Who Needs to Register?

Registration for SHA is mandatory for every resident of Kenya. This includes:

• Individuals: All citizens and lawful residents must register
• Children: Parents are encouraged to register their school-going children as dependents under their SHA membership
• Employers: Businesses must register their employees and remit contributions on their behalf

This initiative is part of the government’s broader agenda to achieve UHC in Kenya, ensuring that healthcare is accessible and affordable for all.

Registration Process for Individuals

How to Register via USSD

One of the simplest ways to register for SHA is through the USSD code *147#. Here’s how:

1. Dial *147# on your mobile device
2. Accept the SHA terms and conditions when prompted
3. Enter your Kenyan ID card number and first name for verification
4. Confirm your details and proceed with entering additional information as requested
5. Await a confirmation message indicating successful registration

This method is user-friendly and allows individuals without internet access to complete their registration quickly.

How to Register Online

If you prefer online registration, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official SHA Website: Go to sha.go.ke
2. Click on Registration: Find the option for individual registration on the homepage
3. Fill Out the Registration Form: Provide necessary details such as:
   • Full name
   • Occupation
   • Date of birth
   • Marital status
   • KRA PIN (Kenya Revenue Authority Personal Identification Number)
   • Address and contact details
4. Review Your Information: Ensure all details are accurate before submitting
5. Verify Your Account: Follow instructions sent to your email or phone to verify your account

Online registration provides a convenient way for tech-savvy individuals to complete their registration at their own pace.

Registration Process for Employers

Creating an Employer Account

Employers play a crucial role in the SHA registration process by registering their employees. Here’s how employers can set up an account:

1. Access the SHA Employer Portal: Visit sha.go.ke and navigate to the employer section
2. Create an Account: Fill out required details about your business, including:
   • Business Registration Certificate
   • KRA Certificate
3. Verify Your Account: Follow verification steps similar to those for individual accounts

Registering Employees

Once registered as an employer, you can add employees:

1. Log into Your Employer Account: Access your dashboard
2. Enter Employee Details: Provide information such as names, ID numbers, and dependents
3. Submit Registration: Review all entries before submitting

Managing Contributions

Employers are responsible for remitting contributions on behalf of their employees:

• Contributions are calculated at 2.75% of each employee’s gross salary
• Use the employer portal to make monthly remittances easily

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Benefits of Registering for SHA

Additional Resources

Contact Information