MoH guides employers on registering staff on SHIF before September 30 deadline

Effective October 1, 2024, SHIF will replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) that has been in place since 1966.

The deadline for registration is set for September 30, 2024. 

This is in line with the Social Health Act 2023, where every Kenyan is required to register for the SHIF program. 

"As such, every Kenyan citizen, including dependents, is mandated by law to register as a member of the SHA," the notice read in part. 

For employers, they are required to use the SHA Employer Portal (https://sha.go.ke/) to manage their employees' SHI contributions. 

The portal will serve four key functions: register your employees and their dependents, make SHIF contributions on behalf of your employees, generate reports and update employee information. 

How to access and use the portal

• Visit the SHA website and create an employer account.
• Follow the instructions to verify your account.
• Enter your employees' details and register them with SHA.
• Use the portal to remit SHIF contributions on time.

"Ensure all your employees are registered with SHA before October 1, 2024, and kindly adhere to the payment deadlines to avoid any disruptions in healthcare coverage for your employees," the notice read in part. 

The government has been on a countrywide sensitisation program to encourage all Kenyans to register for SHIF before the deadline.

As of September 16, 2024, Health CS Deborah Barasa said that over 1.2 million people had registered for the program. 

"Over 1.2 million people have voluntarily registered. Ensure you register before visiting healthcare facilities. SHA will transfer existing NHIF members to the new system, so it’s important to complete your registration," she said.