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You can register for Kenya's Social Health Authority (SHA) in three ways: by dialling *147# on your phone, by using the official SHA website, or by visiting an authorised registration agent.
Which one you choose depends on your situation and the identification documents you have, and help is available, since Huduma Centres, the government's one stop service offices, and Community Health Promoters can both assist you.
SHA is the government body that runs Kenya's public health insurance, and it replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund, NHIF. Registration is open to Kenyan citizens, refugees and other foreign residents, and this guide walks you through each route, what to carry, what it costs and what to do if registration does not go through.
The steps come from SHA's own registration page as of 23 October 2026.
Who has to register for SHA?
Almost everyone living in Kenya has to register, and the rule covers citizens and non citizens alike.
Every person resident in Kenya is required to apply to register as a member, and Kenyan citizens, refugees and other non citizens are all eligible.
The requirement sits in the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024, published as Legal Notice 49 of 2024.
SHA runs several funds, including the Social Health Insurance Fund, known as SHIF, and registering is how you become a member.
Documents you need
Before you start, it helps to have the right document in your hand, because the one you need depends on who is registering.
Kenyan citizens use the national ID card.
Children use a birth certificate, and for children without identification, SHA asks for documentation from the state department responsible for social protection.
Foreign residents use a Foreign Resident Certificate, also called an Alien ID, and refugees use a Refugee ID.
Register with *147#
If you would rather not travel anywhere, you can register from the phone in your hand.
Dial *147#, a short code you type on your keypad like a phone number, and accept the SHA terms and conditions.
Then enter your Kenyan identity card number and your first name so the system can verify you, confirm your details and fill in the rest of the information accurately.
When your registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation message.
Register online
You can also register online.
A person can sign up by visiting the SHA website, sha.go.ke, and selecting Register.
Take a few minutes to read the instructions for self registration, the policies and the terms and conditions, then enter your details on the pages that follow, review them and submit.
Another option is the Afya Yangu portal at afyayangu.go.ke.
Register in person
If you prefer to sit down with someone who can guide you, you can register in person.
A person can visit the nearest Huduma Centre or authorised SHA agent and ask for assisted activation, carrying a national ID card.
The agent captures your personal information, including civil status and details of dependants where necessary, and then shows you the application so you can preview it.
If it is correct, it is submitted and your biometric details, meaning physical identifiers such as a fingerprint, are captured.
Can you register your children?
Your children can be part of your registration.
Children register with a birth certificate, and The Standard reported in 2025 that contributors must verify and update household details, such as spouses and children, and can add beneficiaries during registration.
In assisted registration, the agent captures details of dependants where necessary.
