SHA: How to Register, Add Dependents and Make Payments on M-Pesa

Kenyans looking to have health cover with the Social Health Authority (SHA) can register using USSD or through the authority’s online portal.

The documents required depend on the person being registered:

1. Kenyan citizens: A National ID.
2. Children: A birth certificate or birth notification.
3. Foreign residents: A Foreign Resident Certificate or another accepted identification document.
4. Refugees: A Refugee ID.

SHA registration is available to Kenyan citizens, refugees and non-Kenyan residents who meet the applicable requirements. There is no maximum age limit for SHA registration, and people with pre-existing medical conditions are not excluded from registering.

How to Register for SHA

To register using your phone via USSD.

1. Dial *147# on your mobile phone.
2. Select the option for SHA registration.
3. Enter your National ID number when prompted.
4. Follow the instructions and provide the required information.
5. Select your county and sub-county. 
6. Select your employment status. 
7. Choose your civil status (married or single).
8. Indicate if you have any disability. 
9. Review your details.
10. Secure a 4-digit PIN.
11. Confirm and submit your registration.

Once the process is completed, your details will be captured in the SHA system. You can also register through the afya yangu portal: afyayangu.go.ke 

1. Click on the Sign-Up tab and agree to the terms and conditions.
2. Proceed to registration, select the ID type, and enter the ID number.
3. Enter your first name and your phone number.
4. Click Proceed.
5. A verification number will be sent to the phone number used for the registration.

Also Read: For This Family, Their Mother's Ksh700K Hospital Bill Exposed a Problem Money Couldn't Fix

How to Pay for SHA Via MPesa

For employed Kenyans, employers are mandated to deduct 2.5% of an employee’s gross pay and remit it to the Authority.

However, those who are self-employed or unemployed are required to undergo means testing to determine the premiums they will pay to SHA.

1. Start the Means Testing Process. Click ‘Get Started’ to begin the means testing assessment. This stage requires you to provide information about your household characteristics.
2. Add Your Dependents. Ensure all your dependents have been added to your profile. If they have not been added, click ‘Add Dependents’ and update your details before proceeding.
3. Provide Your Education Background. Enter your highest level of education. Proceed to the next step.
4. Fill in Household Information. Answer all questions relating to your household characteristics, including living conditions and household details. Proceed to the next step.
5. Check all the information you have provided. If necessary, go back and make corrections before proceeding.
6. Tick the declaration box to confirm that the information and documents submitted are accurate. This also authorises SHA to verify and validate the information provided. Click ‘Submit’ to continue.
7. SHA will determine your annual contribution amount based on the results of the means testing exercise. Click ‘Proceed’ to continue the payment.
8. Choose How to Pay. Click ‘Pay’ to make your SHA contribution. Alternatively, you can select Insurance Premium Financing (IPF) if you wish to access financing for the contribution.
9. Confirm Payment Details. Verify your phone number and the contribution amount displayed. Click ‘Pay’ to initiate the transaction. An M-Pesa prompt will be sent to your phone. Enter your M-Pesa PIN and complete the transaction.
10. After entering your PIN and sending the payment, you will receive an SMS confirming the successful SHA contribution

For recurring payments;

1. Open M-Pesa on your phone.
2. Select Lipa na M-Pesa and click Pay Bill.
3. Enter Business Number: 200222.
4. Enter Account Number: Your National ID Number.
5. Enter the amount assessed via the Afya Yangu Portal or your instalment amount.

Also Read: SHA Paid Ksh1.2 Billion to a Private Company That Doesn't Own Any Hospital, Court Told

How to Pay LIPA SHA Pole Pole

LIPA SHA POLE POLE allows self-employed and informal sector workers to pay their Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions in flexible instalments instead of making a full annual payment upfront.

Kenyans who qualify for the option are those who don’t earn a salary, are registered with SHA, have completed SHA means testing and received their annual premium assessment, and do not have outstanding SHA arrears. Any person with an outstanding Hustler Fund should ensure that it is not more than 45 days overdue.

To activate the plan, make an upfront payment equivalent to four months of your SHA premium using M-Pesa Paybill: 200222 and use your ID number as the account number.

After making the upfront payment, choose one of the following registration methods:

Option A: Via *147#

1. Dial *147#
2. Select Lipa Pole Pole
3. Follow the prompts to complete registration

Option B: Via *254#

1. Dial *254#
2. Select Hustler Fund
3. Choose Lipa Pole Pole
4. Select SHA Payment
5. Choose your preferred repayment schedule

You can spread the remaining balance over the repayment period by choosing one of daily, weekly or monthly. Choose the option that best matches your income pattern.

Once enrolled, set up M-Pesa Ratiba to automate your payments. This allows scheduled deductions and helps ensure you remain up to date with your repayment obligations.

Also Read: Alarm as Patients Who Are Related to SHA Bosses Found to Receive Higher Payments

_{How to Pay for SHA Using USSD Code *147#}

1. Dial *147# on your mobile phone. Follow the prompt options to select Pay for Self or use the Lipa Pole Pole flexible instalment plan (daily, weekly, or monthly).
2. Complete the prompt via M-Pesa.

How to Add Dependents to SHA

Spouse - to add a spouse, they need to have been registered on SHA

1. Go to afyayangu.go.ke and log in by selecting your ID type, then enter your National ID number and 4-digit PIN. 
2. Go to My Profile and select the Dependents option.
3.  Click on Add Dependents and select Spouse. 
4. Select the ID type, then enter their National ID number and first name. 
5. Attach either a marriage certificate or a sworn affidavit. 
6. An OTP will be sent to the registered phone number for verification. 
7. Click Submit to finalise the addition 

Child

1. Log in to the afyayangu.go.ke portal 
2. Go to My Profile and select the Dependents option
3. Click on Add Dependents and choose one of the three options: Child, Child (Adopted)
4. Select the age group. If the child is below 18 years, enter their date of birth and attach either a birth certificate or birth notification, or an adoption certificate, along with a passport photo.
5. Students aged 18-24 must first be registered as SHA members before being added as dependents via the Add Child (Above 18) option
6. An OTP will be sent to the registered phone number for verification
7. Click Submit to finalise the addition

How to Update Phone Number on SHA 

1. Dial *147#.
2. Select your ID type and enter your Kenyan ID number or Alien ID number.
3. Click on Update Details.
4. Select phone number.
5. Enter the new phone number to be updated and click Submit to finalise the addition.

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Also Read: 11 SHA Benefits Teachers & Their Families Will Enjoy Beginning This Month

What Does SHA Cover?

SHA provides healthcare services through three main funds.

Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF): Covers primary healthcare services, including outpatient care and other preventive and basic healthcare services.

Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF): Provides coverage for services including inpatient care, maternity and neonatal services, renal care, mental health and surgical services.

Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF): Covers emergency, chronic and critical illness services.

Also Read: SHA System is Privately Owned - Auditor General Says Owners Are Making Billions from Contributions & Claims