How to Register for SHIF in Kenya: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you ready to sign up for Kenya's Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)? This guide will walk you through the process!

SHIF is a public health insurance scheme launched by the Kenyan government in March 2024, replacing the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). It was created to give all Kenyans better access to affordable, high-quality healthcare services. In this post, I'll take you through the entire registration process, whether you choose to register online, via USSD, or in person.

What is SHIF?

The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is a government initiative designed to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to all Kenyan citizens. By pooling resources, SHIF members contribute to a common fund that covers a wide range of healthcare services—helping to eliminate the need for out-of-pocket payments at hospitals and clinics.

SHIF provides coverage for outpatient and inpatient care, maternity services, and even emergency medical treatment. Members can receive these services at accredited facilities across Kenya. The program also emphasizes preventive healthcare, encouraging regular checkups and early treatment to improve overall health outcomes.

What are the New SHIF Rates?

Deduct 2.75% SHIF contributions from employees' October salaries. Beginning with the October 2024 payroll, employers are required to withhold 2.75% of each employee's gross salary as their SHIF contribution. These contributions will be remitted to SHA, replacing NHIF deductions. Find out more here

Who Can Join SHIF?

Anyone over the age of 18 who is a Kenyan citizen or legal resident can register for SHIF. The fund is open to students, employees, self-employed individuals, and retirees alike. Even if you are not formally employed, you can still join SHIF as a voluntary member.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Kenyan citizen or legal resident
• At least 18 years old
• Have a valid ID or passport

Membership Categories:

• Principal Member: The main person responsible for the account (usually the primary income earner).
• Dependents: Spouses, children, or other individuals the principal member wishes to cover under their account.

Documents Needed for Registration
To complete your registration, you'll need the following:

• National ID or passport
• Passport-sized photograph
• Proof of income (such as a payslip, bank statement, or KRA PIN certificate)

For dependents, you’ll also need:

• Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate)
• Identification documents and photos of dependents

How to Register for SHIF

There are three convenient ways to register for SHIF: via USSD code, online, or in person.

Option 1: USSD Code Registration
1. Dial *147# on your mobile phone.
2. Enter your ID number.
3. Follow the prompts to provide your personal information (name, date of birth, contact details).

Option 2: Online Registration
1. Go to the SHIF website.
2. Click on "Register."
3. Enter your personal details, such as ID type, ID number, and phone number.
4. Verify your account using an OTP (one-time password) sent to your phone.
5. After verifying, complete your profile by uploading a passport photo, and providing information about your employment, civil status, and any dependents.
6. Complete your registration by setting up a PIN for future login.

You will need to visit an authorized SHIF agent to complete biometric verification.

Option 3: In-Person Registration
1. Visit a SHIF registration center or agent near you.
2. Fill out the registration form and provide the required documents.
3. Submit your application and confirm your details.

After Registration: Managing Your SHIF Account
Once you've successfully signed up, it's important to manage your SHIF account to ensure continuous access to healthcare services.

Updating Personal Information
Log into your Afyangu account with your ID number and PIN to make any updates to your personal details.

Adding or Removing Dependents
You can add or remove dependents through the "Dependents" section of your Afyangu account by providing the necessary documents.

Checking Your Contribution Status
To track your contributions and ensure you're up-to-date, log into your Afyangu account and review your payment history.

Enjoying SHIF Benefits
By keeping your account active and making timely contributions, you'll have access to a wide range of healthcare services across Kenya. From outpatient care to emergency treatment, SHIF is designed to make quality healthcare more accessible to everyone.

Take the first step toward securing your health today by registering for SHIF!