How the Social Health Authority (SHA) Works in Kenya: Registration, Payments, Benefits and Portal Guide (2026)

Introduction: What Is the Social Health Authority (SHA) in Kenya?

The Social Health Authority (SHA) is Kenya's public institution responsible for administering the country's social health insurance arrangements under the health financing reforms introduced in 2024. It forms part of the government's broader effort to improve access to healthcare, pool healthcare funding and reduce the financial burden of illness on households.

If you previously used the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), you may be wondering what happened to NHIF, how to register for SHA, how much you should contribute, and how to use your new health coverage when visiting a hospital.

You may also be looking for practical answers to questions such as:

• How do I register for SHA online in Kenya?

• How do I pay SHA through M-Pesa?

• What is the official SHA Paybill number?

• How can I check my SHA registration status?

• What benefits does SHA cover?

• How do I access the Afya Yangu or SHA portal?

• What should I do if my SHA contributions are not reflecting?

• Does SHA cover people who are unemployed or unable to contribute?

This guide explains how the Social Health Authority works, how its funds are structured, how registration and contributions work, and how to troubleshoot common problems.

Watch our SHA explainer: GetCovered Kenya has also prepared a video explaining SHA. Watch it here: How SHA Works in Kenya — YouTube.

Important: Government procedures, contribution rules, benefit packages and digital services can change. Confirm current instructions through official SHA and Ministry of Health channels before making a payment or relying on a particular benefit.

1. What Does SHA Stand For?

SHA stands for the Social Health Authority.

It was established under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, and became operational on 1 October 2024 as part of Kenya's transition away from the NHIF system.

The Authority administers three principal health financing funds:

1. The Primary Healthcare Fund (PHCF).

2. The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

3. The Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF).

These funds have different purposes within the healthcare system. They are intended to support primary healthcare, broader medical services, and eligible emergency or high-cost conditions respectively.

The distinction is important because registering with SHA does not mean that every medical service at every hospital is automatically free. Access depends on the applicable benefit package, eligibility rules, contracted healthcare facilities, referral requirements, limits and other conditions.

Official reference: Ministry of Health — Social Health Insurance Regulations.

2. What Happened to NHIF? Is SHA the Same as NHIF?

The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) was Kenya's former national public health insurance institution. SHA replaced the NHIF framework as the country transitioned to the new health financing system.

However, SHA is not simply NHIF under a different name. The new framework has a different legal and institutional structure, with separate funds for different healthcare financing purposes.

Feature	Former NHIF framework	SHA framework
Institution	National Hospital Insurance Fund	Social Health Authority
Legal framework	Previous NHIF legislation	Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, and related legislation
Main structure	NHIF membership and benefit arrangements	Primary Healthcare Fund, SHIF and ECCIF
Registration	NHIF registration and membership processes	SHA registration and eligibility processes
Contributions	Previous NHIF contribution rules	Contribution arrangements under the new framework
Healthcare access	Depended on applicable NHIF benefits and rules	Depends on applicable SHA fund, benefit package and access conditions

The transition means that people who previously had NHIF membership should not assume that an old membership card, payment record or contribution history alone confirms their current SHA registration or eligibility.

If you have not checked your records since the transition, use an official SHA channel to confirm your registration details and current status.

Do I need to register for SHA if I was already registered with NHIF?

You should verify your status rather than assume that your former NHIF membership automatically confirms everything required under the new system.

The official SHA platform provides registration options, including individual registration and assisted registration. Use the official process to establish whether your existing details are recognised and whether any information needs updating.

Start with the official SHA website.

3. How Does the Social Health Authority Work?

SHA brings together contributions and other authorised funding to finance eligible healthcare services through its established funds.

At a practical level, the process involves several stages:

1. Registration: An individual supplies the required personal and household information through an authorised registration channel.

2. Assessment: Where required, the system assesses the household's contribution obligations or eligibility for government support.

3. Contributions or funding: Contributions are collected under the applicable rules, alongside other authorised public funding.

4. Healthcare access: Eligible members seek services at participating healthcare facilities, subject to the applicable benefit and access conditions.

5. Provider claims and reimbursement: Contracted facilities submit claims or payment requests under the applicable rules, tariffs and verification procedures.

The Authority is therefore both an administrator of health financing arrangements and a purchaser of eligible healthcare services through the relevant funds.

For a patient, the most important practical question is not merely whether a registration record exists. It is whether the person's details, contribution or eligibility status, chosen facility and required service meet the applicable rules.

The three SHA funds explained

A. Primary Healthcare Fund (PHCF)

The Primary Healthcare Fund supports primary healthcare services, including preventive care, screening and eligible basic outpatient services.

Its purpose is to strengthen access to healthcare closer to where people live, including through designated primary healthcare facilities.

Depending on the applicable rules and services available, primary healthcare may include consultations, diagnostic services, treatment for common conditions, preventive interventions and maternal healthcare.

Do not assume that every service, medicine or procedure at every facility is covered without charge. The applicable benefit package and facility arrangements determine what is available.

B. Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)

The Social Health Insurance Fund finances eligible healthcare services under the social health insurance framework.

Its benefit arrangements include specified outpatient and inpatient services and other eligible treatments under the applicable package.

The precise services available depend on the current rules, the facility's level and contracting status, referral requirements and applicable limits.

For example, a member seeking specialist care should confirm whether the service is covered, whether a referral is required and whether the selected facility can provide the service under SHA.

C. Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF)

The Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund is intended to provide financial support for eligible emergency, chronic and critical healthcare needs under the applicable framework.

It is particularly relevant when people are concerned about serious illness, emergency treatment or conditions that may require prolonged and expensive care.

However, the existence of this fund does not mean every treatment for every chronic or critical condition is unlimited. Eligibility, benefit limits, referral arrangements and the applicable package still matter.

For current details, consult the Ministry of Health and the published regulations and benefit schedules.

4. How to Register for SHA Online in Kenya

SHA registration is one of the most important steps for people who want to establish their details in the new health financing system.

Registration may be completed through an authorised digital channel or through assisted registration, depending on the options currently available.

Step 1: Open the official SHA website

Visit https://sha.go.ke/ and look for the registration or individual enrolment option.

Make sure you are using the genuine government service. Avoid unofficial websites that ask you to submit personal information or pay an unverified registration fee.

Step 2: Select the appropriate registration option

Choose the option intended for an individual or household, rather than an employer or healthcare provider.

If you are registering on behalf of another person, check the requirements for the relevant category and ensure that you have the authority and information needed to complete the process.

Step 3: Provide the requested personal information

The system may request details needed to identify you and establish your household record.

Depending on the registration process and your circumstances, have the following information available:

• Your national identification details, where applicable.

• Your full name and date of birth.

• Your mobile phone number.

• Information about household members.

• Details required for income or household assessment, where applicable.

The exact fields and supporting documents may change. Follow the instructions shown on the official registration platform.

Step 4: Complete the required assessment

Where the process requires a household or income assessment, provide accurate information.

Do not guess or deliberately understate income or household information to obtain a different assessment. Incorrect information may cause registration, contribution or eligibility problems.

Step 5: Submit your registration

Review the details carefully before submitting the form.

If the system issues a confirmation, reference number or other acknowledgement, retain it for future follow-up.

Step 6: Confirm your registration status

After submitting your information, use the official service to establish whether registration is complete.

If the system reports that your details are missing, incomplete or require verification, follow the instructions provided or contact SHA support.

Tip: Registration and confirmation of healthcare eligibility are related but distinct issues. Complete the process, then verify your status before assuming that a particular service will be available.

Can I register for SHA using my phone?

Yes, SHA provides digital registration options, and assisted enrolment is also available through authorised channels.

The precise steps can change as government digital services are updated. Start from the official SHA website or contact SHA directly to confirm the current mobile registration method.

Do not rely on an old social media post for a USSD code, payment number or registration procedure without verifying that it remains official.

5. How to Pay SHA in Kenya

People searching for “SHA payment,” “how to pay SHA,” “SHA payment method” or “SHA Paybill” are usually trying to understand their contribution obligations and how to settle them.

The correct payment process depends on your registration category and the contribution assessment applicable to you.

Before making a payment, establish:

• Whether you are required to contribute.

• The amount assessed or due.

• The payment reference or account details required.

• The official payment channel currently supported.

• The deadline applicable to your contribution.

• How to verify that the payment has been credited.

How much do you pay to SHA?

Under the Social Health Insurance framework, the contribution rules distinguish between employed and non-salaried households.

For salaried households, the statutory contribution framework generally provides for a contribution calculated as a percentage of gross salary. For households outside formal salaried employment, contributions are assessed under the applicable household income assessment arrangements.

The regulations have provided for a 2.75% contribution rate, subject to the applicable rules, minimum contribution and other provisions.

Do not assume that every household has the same fixed monthly bill. Your actual obligation depends on the category and assessment applicable to you, as well as any changes to the rules.

For an authoritative answer about your own amount, check your official assessment or employer remittance records and consult the current SHA instructions.

How do I pay SHA through M-Pesa?

If you need to pay SHA via M-Pesa, follow the current official payment instructions rather than relying on an unverified Paybill number.

A safe process is:

1. Open the official SHA website or the authorised payment service indicated by SHA.

2. Confirm your contribution amount and the payment details required.

3. Open M-Pesa on your phone.

4. Select the payment option specified by the official instructions.

5. Enter the verified Paybill or other authorised payment details, if applicable.

6. Enter the correct account reference or identifier.

7. Confirm the recipient and amount before authorising payment.

8. Keep the M-Pesa transaction message.

9. Check the official system later to confirm that the payment has been recorded.

Important: Do not send money to a number copied from an unofficial blog or social media post. I have not independently verified a current universal SHA Paybill number for this guide, so one should not be published here as though it were confirmed.

The official starting point is SHA's website. If payment instructions are unavailable or unclear, contact the Authority before transferring money.

What is the SHA Paybill number?

The correct Paybill details, where a Paybill payment option is offered, should be obtained from the official SHA payment instructions.

Payment information can change, and the correct reference may depend on the payment process. Before authorising a transaction, verify the recipient, account reference and amount through the official channel.

If you have already made a payment and cannot see it reflected, do not immediately make a second payment. First check the transaction message, payment reference and official contribution record, then contact SHA if necessary.

What happens if I cannot afford to pay SHA?

If you are unemployed, have irregular income or cannot afford the assessed contribution, do not assume that you are automatically excluded from healthcare or that you can simply ignore the assessment.

The framework provides for government support and eligibility assessment for qualifying households. The applicable process and requirements determine whether a household qualifies and what assistance is available.

Contact SHA or an authorised registration assistance channel to establish your options. Provide accurate information about your circumstances and ask how to resolve any outstanding assessment or contribution issue.

6. How to Check Your SHA Registration Status

If you have already registered, checking your SHA status helps establish whether your information has been captured and whether any further action is required.

Searches such as “how to check SHA status,” “SHA registration online login” and “Afya Yangu SHA registration” reflect a practical need: people want to know whether their registration is complete.

How to check your SHA status online

1. Visit the official SHA website at sha.go.ke.

2. Find the individual registration, member access or status-check option currently available.

3. Follow the prompts to identify yourself.

4. Enter the requested information accurately.

5. Review the displayed status and any instructions.

6. Save any confirmation or reference information provided.

The precise menu names and verification steps may change. If the online service does not offer a direct status-check option, use the official contact channel to establish how to verify your record.

What should I do if my SHA status is not showing?

If your registration status is missing, incomplete or unclear, check the following:

• Whether you used the correct identification details.

• Whether the registration was submitted successfully.

• Whether you received a confirmation message or reference.

• Whether the system requires additional information.

• Whether the registration record needs verification or correction.

If the issue persists, contact SHA and provide the reference details requested by its support team.

Avoid creating duplicate registrations simply because you cannot immediately find your record. Confirm the status of the original application first.

How do I know if my SHA contributions have been received?

Keep your payment or employer remittance records, including the date, amount and transaction reference.

Then use the official member service or contact SHA to establish whether the contribution has been credited correctly.

A successful M-Pesa transaction confirms that money was sent to the recipient shown in the transaction. It does not, by itself, prove that the contribution has been allocated correctly to your SHA record.

7. How to Use the SHA Portal and Afya Yangu

The terms “SHA portal,” “SHA portal login” and “Afya Yangu” can refer to different services within Kenya's digital health ecosystem.

It is important to distinguish between services for individual members, employers and healthcare providers.

The individual or member service

An individual may need a registration service, status-check facility or other member-facing functionality.

Start from the official SHA website and follow the current links for individual services.

The employer portal

Employers use dedicated SHA services for organisational registration and employer-related contribution processes.

The official employer service is available at:

SHA Employer Portal

The registration process may require organisational information, a KRA PIN certificate, a business registration document and administrator details. Follow the current requirements displayed on the official portal.

Employers should also confirm the correct contribution amounts, applicable deadlines and remittance procedures rather than relying solely on an employee's personal payment record.

The healthcare provider portal

Healthcare facilities use provider-facing systems for services such as contracting, access to relevant provider functionality and claims-related processes.

The official provider portal is:

SHA Provider Portal

This is different from an ordinary member registration page. Patients who want to register or check their personal status should not assume that a provider login is the correct service.

What is Afya Yangu?

Afya Yangu is a name associated with Kenya's digital health services and is also used in searches related to SHA registration and member access.

Because government digital platforms can change, use the official SHA website to confirm the current route to the particular service you need.

If a search engine displays an old Afya Yangu link, check that it is still an authorised and functional service before entering personal information.

What should I do if I cannot log in?

If you cannot access an official portal:

1. Confirm that you are using the correct portal for your category.

2. Check the address carefully before entering your credentials.

3. Verify your internet connection and retry.

4. Use the official password recovery or account recovery option if available.

5. Check whether the service displays a maintenance notice.

6. Contact the relevant SHA support team if the issue persists.

Never share your password, one-time password or sensitive identification details with someone who claims they can fix your account through an unofficial channel.

8. What Does SHA Cover in Kenya?

One of the most important questions is whether SHA will pay for the medical service you need.

The answer depends on the relevant fund, the applicable benefit package, your eligibility, the facility's participation and any referral, authorisation or benefit-limit requirements.

The following table provides a high-level overview. It is not a substitute for the current official benefit schedule.

Fund	Main purpose	What to check
Primary Healthcare Fund	Eligible primary and preventive healthcare	Participating facility, service eligibility and applicable rules
Social Health Insurance Fund	Eligible medical services under the social health insurance package	Benefit limits, provider arrangements, referrals and authorisation
Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund	Eligible emergency, chronic and critical care	Condition eligibility, applicable limits and required clinical or administrative procedures

Does SHA cover outpatient treatment?

Eligible outpatient services may be available under the applicable fund and benefit package.

However, not every consultation, diagnostic test, medicine or specialist service is automatically covered in every facility.

Before seeking a planned service, ask the facility whether it is contracted for the relevant service and whether you need a referral or authorisation.

Does SHA cover hospital admission?

Eligible inpatient services may be covered under the relevant arrangements.

The amount payable and the services included depend on the current benefit package, the facility, the treatment and any applicable limits.

If you are planning an admission, ask the hospital to explain what is covered and whether any charges may remain your responsibility.

Does SHA cover maternity services?

The SHA framework includes maternity-related benefits, subject to the applicable package and rules.

For antenatal care, delivery, Caesarean delivery or postnatal services, confirm the participating facility, eligible services and any applicable authorisation requirements before planned treatment whenever possible.

In an emergency, seek appropriate medical attention first and follow the relevant procedures as soon as circumstances permit.

Does SHA cover cancer, dialysis and other chronic conditions?

The framework includes arrangements for eligible chronic and critical illness care. However, coverage depends on the applicable benefit package, clinical eligibility, limits and authorisation requirements.

Patients should not assume that every medicine, treatment cycle, procedure or private facility charge is automatically paid in full.

For complex or ongoing treatment, ask the facility and SHA to clarify the relevant benefits, any applicable limits and the process for continued treatment.

Is emergency treatment covered under SHA?

Emergency and critical care are part of the broader framework, including the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund.

The precise benefits and access arrangements depend on the applicable rules. Do not delay seeking urgent medical attention while trying to resolve a portal or contribution question.

For planned or continuing treatment, confirm eligibility and any required administrative steps with the healthcare provider and SHA.

9. Where Can I Receive Treatment Under SHA?

The availability of SHA-funded services depends on the healthcare facility's participation and the particular service you need.

A hospital's existence or reputation alone does not establish that every service it offers is covered under SHA.

Before visiting a facility for planned treatment, confirm:

• Whether the facility is currently contracted or accredited for the relevant services.

• Whether the service is included in your applicable benefit package.

• Whether you need a referral from another facility.

• Whether pre-authorisation or another administrative step is required.

• Whether the treatment has limits or may involve additional charges.

For a specialist consultation, scan, operation or ongoing treatment, these checks can help reduce the risk of unexpected costs.

Use the official SHA website or ask the facility to confirm its current SHA arrangements. Where information conflicts, seek clarification from the Authority.

10. SHA for Employed, Self-Employed and Unemployed People

Different household circumstances can affect how registration, contribution assessment and government support apply.

Employed people

Employees should confirm that their employer has the correct details and is meeting its contribution and remittance obligations under the applicable rules.

Keep payslips and other relevant records so that you can compare deductions with the employer's remittance information if a discrepancy arises.

If your contributions appear missing, ask your employer for the relevant remittance details and contact SHA if the issue remains unresolved.

Self-employed people

People who run businesses, freelance or earn income outside formal employment should follow the applicable household assessment and contribution process.

The amount due should not be assumed to be the same for every self-employed person.

Check the assessment shown through the official service and ask SHA to explain any amount you do not understand.

Unemployed people

Unemployment does not automatically answer whether a person qualifies for government support, what their household contribution should be or how their registration should be handled.

If you have no income or your income has changed substantially, seek guidance on the applicable assessment and assistance arrangements.

Do not submit inaccurate income information. Ask the Authority how your circumstances should be documented.

Employers

Employers should use the official employer portal to maintain their organisational details and follow the applicable contribution and remittance rules.

The employer service has its own registration requirements and account controls.

Official service: SHA Employer Portal.

11. What Should I Do If My SHA Payment Is Missing?

A payment that does not appear in your record can be frustrating, particularly if you need medical care.

Follow a clear troubleshooting process before paying again.

Step 1: Locate the payment confirmation. Find the M-Pesa message or other transaction receipt and note the date, amount, recipient and transaction reference.

Step 2: Check the payment details. Confirm that you used the official payment instructions and entered the correct reference.

Step 3: Check the relevant record. Use the official service available to you to see whether the contribution has been recorded.

Step 4: Contact SHA if it is still missing. Provide the requested transaction and identification details through the official support channel.

Step 5: Keep the case reference. If you are given a reference number, retain it and use it when following up.

Do not share transaction messages containing sensitive information publicly. Do not send a second payment simply because the first one has not yet appeared.

If you need urgent treatment, contact the healthcare facility and seek clarification about your immediate access options while the payment issue is being investigated.

12. SHA Contact Details and Official Links

When dealing with registration, payments, status checks or portal problems, use official contact information rather than numbers posted by unverified third parties.

Service	Official resource
SHA main website	sha.go.ke
Employer registration	SHA Employer Portal
Healthcare provider portal	portal.sha.go.ke
Ministry of Health	health.go.ke
SHA employer portal terms and contact information	Official SHA terms

The SHA employer portal's published terms list 0800 720 601 as a contact number, with stated operating hours of Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Because support arrangements may change, confirm the current contact details through the official website before relying on them.

For payment issues, registration problems or a disputed contribution assessment, explain the issue clearly and keep any reference number you receive.

13. Frequently Asked Questions About SHA in Kenya

What does SHA stand for in Kenya?

SHA stands for the Social Health Authority. It administers Kenya's social health insurance arrangements under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023.

How do I register for SHA online?

Start at sha.go.ke and follow the current individual registration or enrolment instructions. Provide accurate details, complete any required assessment and confirm your registration status.

How do I pay SHA via M-Pesa?

Obtain the current payment instructions from the official SHA service, confirm the recipient and required account reference, then follow the specified M-Pesa process. Keep the transaction message and verify that the payment has been recorded.

What is the SHA Paybill number?

Use the Paybill details published through the official SHA payment instructions, where that payment method is available. Verify the number and account reference before sending money; do not rely on unverified third-party listings.

How do I check my SHA registration status?

Visit the official SHA website and use the current member or registration service. Follow the verification prompts and contact SHA if your record is missing or unclear.

Is SHA the same as NHIF?

No. SHA replaced the former NHIF framework as part of Kenya's health financing reforms. The new system has a different institutional and fund structure, including the Primary Healthcare Fund, SHIF and ECCIF.

Does SHA cover unemployed people?

Eligibility, contribution obligations and government support depend on the applicable rules and household circumstances. Unemployed people should register or verify their details and seek guidance on the appropriate assessment and assistance process.

Can I use SHA at any hospital in Kenya?

Not necessarily. The facility must participate in the relevant arrangements for the service, and the service must meet the applicable benefit and access requirements. Confirm these details before planned treatment.

What should I do if my SHA payment is not reflecting?

Keep the transaction receipt, check the payment reference, review your official record and contact SHA if the payment is still missing. Avoid making a duplicate payment before investigating the original transaction.

Is Afya Yangu the same as the SHA provider portal?

They should not be treated as interchangeable terms. Member-facing digital services and healthcare provider systems serve different purposes. Start from the official SHA website to find the service appropriate to your needs.

What are the three SHA funds?

They are the Primary Healthcare Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund and Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund. Each supports a different part of the health financing framework.

Where can I find official information about SHA benefits?

Start with the Ministry of Health and the official SHA website. Check the current regulations, benefit schedules and facility arrangements rather than relying on old benefit summaries.

Conclusion: Understand Your SHA Registration, Payments and Benefits

The Social Health Authority is central to Kenya's transition to a new system for financing healthcare. Understanding how it works can help you register correctly, confirm your status, meet applicable contribution obligations and establish which healthcare services may be available to you.

The most important practical steps are to use official registration channels, verify your contribution assessment, obtain payment details from an authorised source, retain transaction records and confirm benefit eligibility before planned treatment.

If you are experiencing a registration or payment problem, use the official SHA service or contact the Authority for clarification rather than relying on unofficial payment instructions.

For more information, watch the GetCovered Kenya SHA explainer on YouTube and use the official links provided throughout this guide to verify the latest procedures.

Editorial note: This guide is for general information. It is not a substitute for official SHA instructions, current legislation, individual contribution assessments or confirmation of healthcare benefit eligibility.