How to Register with Taifa Care (SHA) in Kenya – 2025 Guide

The Social Health Authority (SHA) is a government initiative aimed at streamlining access to healthcare services under Universal Health Coverage (UHC). SHA ensures that every Kenyan, regardless of economic status, has access to affordable and quality healthcare.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to register with Taifa Care (SHA) through online registration or USSD (*147#).

What is the Social Health Authority (SHA)?

SHA acts as the coordinating body for healthcare service delivery in Kenya, overseeing both county and national-level health initiatives.

Key Functions of SHA:

✔ Regulation of healthcare services – Ensuring hospitals and clinics meet national standards.
✔ Resource allocation – Distributing funding for healthcare infrastructure.
✔ Policy implementation – Managing digital health services and insurance schemes.
✔ Public health programs – Leading vaccination campaigns, maternal health services, and disease prevention efforts.

SHA’s Three Healthcare Funds

SHA manages three distinct health insurance funds, each serving a unique purpose:

1️⃣ SHIF – Social Health Insurance Fund (Covers basic medical expenses)
2️⃣ PHCF – Primary Health Care Fund (Covers outpatient and community health services)
3️⃣ ECCF – Emergency, Chronic & Clinical Illness Fund (Covers critical and emergency care needs)

How to Register for SHA (Taifa Care)

You can register for SHA in two ways:
1️⃣ Online Registration via SHA Portal (www.sha.go.ke)
2️⃣ *USSD Registration via 147#

Method 1: Online Registration via SHA Portal

💻 Step 1: Visit the SHA Website
🔗 Go to www.sha.go.ke.

📌 Step 2: Create an Account
✅ Click ‘Register’ on the homepage.
✅ Agree to the Terms and Conditions to proceed.

📌 Step 3: Enter Your Personal Details
✔ Full Name (as per National ID)
✔ National ID Number / Foreign Resident Certificate / Refugee ID
✔ Phone Number

Click ‘Proceed’ after filling in your details.

📌 Step 4: OTP Verification
✅ You’ll receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your phone.
✅ Enter the OTP code and click ‘Proceed’.

📌 Step 5: Create a Secure PIN
✔ Set a 4-digit PIN for your SHA account.
✔ Click ‘Proceed’ to continue.

📌 Step 6: Read the Registration Guide
✅ The guide explains:
✔ Basic registration process
✔ How to add dependents
✔ Biometric verification

📌 Step 7: Provide Your Identity Information
✔ Upload a passport photo (optional).
✔ Fill in your National ID details.
✔ Click ‘Next’.

📌 Step 8: Provide Your Contact Information
✔ Enter your phone number, alternative contact, postal address, and email.
✔ Click ‘Next’.

📌 Step 9: Confirm & Submit
✅ Review your personal information to ensure accuracy.
✅ Click ‘Submit’ to finalize the registration.

📌 Step 10: Complete Registration
✅ Once submitted, you’ll access your SHA dashboard.
✅ You must complete a Means Test to determine your monthly or yearly insurance premium.

**Method 2: USSD Registration via 147#*

This method allows Kenyans without internet access to register using their mobile phones.

📌 *Step 1: Dial 147#
✔ Ensure you have an active SIM card.
✔ Select Option 1 – Kenyan Citizen or Option 2 – Foreign Resident.

📌 Step 2: Enter Your National ID Number
✔ Input your National ID, Passport, or Birth Certificate Number.

📌 Step 3: Agree to Terms and Conditions
✔ Press Option 1 to accept.

📌 Step 4: Select Your County
✔ Choose the first letter of your county.
✔ Select the county name from the options provided.

📌 Step 5: Select Your Sub-County
✔ Choose your sub-county of residence.

📌 Step 6: Fill in Your Employment & Civil Status
✔ Select your employment status (employed, unemployed, self-employed).
✔ Indicate whether you are married, single, divorced, or widowed.

📌 Step 7: Fill in Your Disability Status
✔ Select YES or NO if you have a disability.

📌 Step 8: Set Up Your 4-Digit PIN
✔ Create a secure PIN for your SHA account.

📌 Step 9: Confirm and Submit
✔ Double-check all the details.
✔ Confirm your PIN.
✔ Click ‘Submit’.

📌 Step 10: Receive Confirmation
✅ You’ll receive an SMS confirmation that your SHA registration is successful.

SHA vs NHIF – What’s Different?

SHA is an improved version of NHIF with better benefits and lower costs.

✔ NHIF required all self-employed individuals to pay Ksh500/month, regardless of income.
✔ SHA uses a “Means Test” to determine how much you should pay based on your financial situation.

💡 Low-income Kenyans pay as little as Ksh300/month, while wealthier individuals pay slightly more.

📌 Key Advantage: SHA fully covers chronic illnesses and emergency treatments, unlike NHIF.

How to Add Your Spouse to SHA

✔ Your spouse must register with SHA and complete the Means Test first.
✔ You’ll need their:
✔ ID Number
✔ Phone Number
✔ OTP (for verification)

📌 Important: Confirm whether your spouse is a contributor or dependent.