Guide to Registering for SHIF in Kenya

The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is a Kenyan government initiative designed to provide affordable healthcare services to all Kenyans. Managed by the Social Health Authority (SHA), SHIF operates on a resource-pooling model, offering membership to Kenyans aged 18 and above, including students, self-employed individuals, retirees, and employees.

Eligibility for SHIF

To be eligible for SHIF, applicants must:

Be a Kenyan citizen or legal resident
Hold a valid national ID card or passport
Be 18 years or older

Types of SHIF Membership

Principal Member
The primary holder of the SHIF account, typically the main income earner.
Dependents
Individuals covered under the principal member’s account, such as children or spouses.

Required Documents

For Principal Members:

National ID card or passport
Passport-sized color photo
Proof of income (e.g., payslip, bank statement, or KRA PIN certificate)

For Dependents:

Proof of relationship (birth or marriage certificate)
Identification documents for dependents

Methods to Register for SHIF

USSD Code Registration
- Dial *147# on your phone
- Select your ID type and enter your ID number
- Follow the prompts to complete the registration process
- Upon successful registration, you’ll receive a confirmation message
Online Registration
- Visit www.sha.go.ke
- Click “Register” and complete the form with your details
- Set up your account, and an OTP will be sent to your phone
- Verify your account with the OTP and update your profile
- Visit an authorized SHA agent for biometric verification and activation
In-Person Registration
- Visit a SHA agent, branch, or Huduma Centre with the necessary documents
- Complete the registration form and review details with the agent
- Submit the application and, if needed, complete biometric verification