How to Register for SHIF / SHA in Kenya (2026): USSD, Online & Contributions
SHA replaced NHIF. Register free by dialling *147#, online, or at a Huduma Centre — and here's exactly what you'll pay, salaried or self-employed, and how to fix the common errors.
SHA — the Social Health Authority, under Taifa Care — has replaced NHIF, and everyone is expected to register with the SHIF fund. Registering is free and takes a few minutes; the part people get stuck on is the contribution and the ID errors. Here’s all of it.
Step by step
- Choose a method. Register free by dialling *147#, on the Afya Yangu / SHA portal, or at a Huduma Centre.
- Verify your identity. Enter your National ID number; your name is confirmed against the national register (IPRS).
- Set a PIN and add your household. Choose a 4-digit PIN for future logins, and register your dependants and household members so they're covered.
- Salaried? Contributions are automatic. Your employer deducts 2.75% of your gross pay (a minimum of KES 300) and remits it to SHA by the 9th of the next month.
- Self-employed? Do the means test. Complete the means test (via *147# or Afya Yangu) to set your household's monthly contribution — from KES 300 — then pay to activate your cover.
What you’ll pay
- Employed: 2.75% of gross pay (minimum KES 300), deducted by your employer.
- Self-employed / informal: a means-tested household amount, from KES 300/month.
- Registration: free.
Know your number
SHIF / SHA Calculator →
Your exact 2.75% contribution — salaried or self-employed — in one tap.
Read your deductions
Kenya Payslip Decoder →
See SHIF, PAYE, NSSF and the Housing Levy broken out of your gross pay.
Frequently asked
Is SHA the same as NHIF?
SHA — the Social Health Authority — replaced NHIF, and SHIF (the Social Health Insurance Fund) is the fund. Registration is a fresh process even if you were on NHIF.
How do I register, and is it free?
Registration is free. You can dial *147#, use the Afya Yangu / SHA portal, or go to a Huduma Centre.
How much will I pay?
Salaried: 2.75% of your gross pay (minimum KES 300), deducted by your employer. Self-employed or informal: a means-tested household amount, from KES 300 a month.
What is the means test?
A short questionnaire — via *147# or Afya Yangu — that estimates your household's ability to pay and sets your monthly contribution. It's required for non-salaried Kenyans before cover activates.
I get 'ID not found' or 'details do not match' — what now?
Your ID isn't matching the national register. Double-check your ID details, try again later (the portal is often overloaded), or use *147# / a Huduma Centre. A persistent mismatch needs an IPRS or Huduma fix.
Do I need to register my family?
Yes — add your dependants and household members to your account so they're covered too.
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