Social Health Authority fully operational — NHIF replaced
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). All Kenyans aged 18 and above are required to register and contribute to the universal health coverage scheme.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has been fully operationalised, replacing the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) as Kenya's primary health insurance institution.
Under the Social Health Insurance Act, all Kenyans aged 18 and above are required to register with SHA and contribute to the three funds: the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF).
Contributions are income-based: employed persons contribute 2.75% of their gross salary, the self-employed contribute based on declared income, and the poor and vulnerable are covered through government subsidies.
Registration can be done through the SHA portal at sha.go.ke, via eCitizen, or at any Huduma Centre, SHA office, or contracted bank.
All previous NHIF cards remain valid for outpatient services until 30 June 2026. Members are urged to re-register under SHA to avoid interruption of services.