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
Contact Information for the Social Health Authority
- Location: Ragati Road, Upper Hill, Opposite Kenya National Library, Nairobi
- Contact: 0800 720 601
This guide provides all necessary steps to join SHIF, ensuring access to affordable healthcare through Kenya’s Social Health Insurance Fund.

