NHIF Changes: What the Switch to SHA Means for You
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If you still have an old NHIF card in your wallet, it is time to retire it. The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) no longer exists. In October 2024 it was replaced by the Social Health Authority (SHA), which runs a new system with three separate funds and a new way of calculating contributions.
This explainer covers what changed, how much you pay now, and what former NHIF members need to do.
What Replaced NHIF?
The changes came through a set of health laws passed in 2023, mainly the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, which repealed the NHIF Act and created the Social Health Authority. SHA took over from NHIF on 1 October 2024.
Instead of one fund, SHA manages three:
| Fund | What it pays for | Who funds it |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Healthcare Fund (PHC Fund) | Primary care services at Level 2 and 3 facilities (dispensaries and health centres) and selected Level 4 primary referral facilities. | The national government |
| Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) | Services beyond primary care, such as hospital admission and specialist care, at contracted facilities. | Member contributions |
| Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF) | Emergency care and chronic and critical illnesses once SHIF benefits are exhausted. | The national government |
NHIF vs SHA: The Main Changes
- Contributions are now a percentage of income. NHIF used fixed bands based on salary. SHA charges 2.75% of gross monthly income, with a minimum of KES 300 a month and no upper limit.
- Informal workers are assessed. If you are not salaried, your contribution is 2.75% of household income as determined by a means test, with the same KES 300 minimum.
- Everyone must register again. Your NHIF membership does not move over automatically. You need to register with SHA and add your dependants.
- Primary care is separated. Basic care at public dispensaries and health centres is funded through the PHC Fund.
- Digital verification. Hospitals check your eligibility through SHA’s systems using your ID number, so your registration and contributions need to be up to date.
How Much You Pay
| Gross monthly income | Monthly SHIF contribution (2.75%) |
|---|---|
| KES 10,000 | KES 300 (the minimum applies) |
| KES 20,000 | KES 550 |
| KES 50,000 | KES 1,375 |
| KES 100,000 | KES 2,750 |
Salaried workers do not pay SHA themselves: the employer deducts the contribution from your gross pay and remits it to SHA. Check your payslip to confirm it is being deducted.
What Former NHIF Members Must Do Now
- Register with SHA using any of the official channels:
- Dial *147#, accept the terms, then enter your ID number and first name and follow the prompts.
- Self-register on the SHA website (sha.go.ke) or the member portal at afyayangu.go.ke.
- Visit a Huduma Centre or an authorised SHA agent for assisted registration. Carry your National ID.
- Add your dependants. Register your spouse and children so they are covered. Children are registered using their birth certificate.
- Complete the means test if you are not salaried, so that SHA can work out your contribution.
- Pay your contribution every month (if self-employed) using the payment options shown on the SHA website or the *147# menu. Use your ID number as your reference.
- Check your status on the SHA eligibility checker before you go to hospital, so you are not caught by surprise at the reception desk.
Only pay SHA through the official channels listed on sha.go.ke or the *147# menu. Do not send contributions to individuals or to numbers shared on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my old NHIF number still valid?
No. SHA identifies members by their National ID number (or birth certificate for children, and Alien or Refugee ID for foreign residents). You need to register with SHA even if you were an NHIF member.
What about foreigners living in Kenya?
Foreign residents register using their Foreign Resident Certificate (Alien ID), and refugees use their Refugee ID.
Where can I get help?
SHA’s toll-free line is 0800 720 601. You can also visit a Huduma Centre; see our list of Huduma Centre locations.
