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What is SHA in Kenya and How to Register (2026)

Mother and baby at a hospital in Lodwar, Kenya – What is SHA in Kenya and How to Register (2026)
Mother and baby at a hospital in Lodwar, Kenya. Photo: DFID – UK Department for Inter / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Social Health Authority (SHA) runs Kenya’s public health insurance after NHIF’s transition. Contributions and benefits are administered under the Social Health Insurance Fund framework. Register and pay through the official SHA / eCitizen channels published by the Ministry of Health.

Why it matters

  • Access to contracted outpatient and inpatient facilities
  • Employers and households are expected to keep contributions current
  • Hospitals should not deny emergency care solely over payment disputes, per SHA public notices

Registration outline

  1. Use the official SHA registration portal or eCitizen health service link.
  2. Enter your ID and contacts.
  3. Add dependants where allowed.
  4. Note your contribution rate from the official schedule.
  5. Pay using the government payment methods shown on the invoice.

Estimate salary deductions with the SHIF line in our payroll calculator:

Estimate only. Rates checked 13 Oct 2026.

Facility licensing is separate from SHA contracting. To check if a clinic is licensed, see KMPDC licence check.

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