Can government offices ask for proof of SHA before serving you?
Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 · sources read 5 Oct 2026
Section 26(5) of the Social Health Insurance Act says anyone who should be registered must show proof of SHA registration and contributions before dealing with or getting services from national or county government. In July 2024 the High Court found this condition unconstitutional only because it has no exception for emergency medical care. That judgment is under appeal, and Kenya Law shows no Court of Appeal decision on it yet.
- Where
- Register on *147#, sha.go.ke or afyayangu.go.ke
Steps
- Register by dialling *147# or on sha.go.ke with your ID number and phone number, then finish your profile on afyayangu.go.ke.
- Keep proof of your SHA registration and contributions ready when dealing with national or county government offices.
Watch out
- The High Court held that the condition can't stand where it blocks emergency medical treatment.
- Apart from emergency care, the court found the limit on access to public services reasonable and proportionate.
- The 2024 judgment has been appealed, so the final position on section 26(5) may still change.
Who this covers
- Every Kenyan must register with the Social Health Insurance Fund.
- Non-Kenyans who ordinarily live in Kenya can register.
Official sources (5)
- Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 (No. 16 of 2023) new.kenyalaw.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Aura v Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health & 13 others (Constitutional Petition E473 of 2023) [2024] KEHC 8255 (KLR) (12 July 2024) (Judgment) new.kenyalaw.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Mweresa & 3 others v Social Health Authority & another (Petition E524 of 2024) [2025] KEHC 8365 (KLR) (13 June 2025) (Judgment) new.kenyalaw.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Okoiti & 2 others v Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health & 20 others (Petition E513 of 2024) [2026] KEHC 3972 (KLR) (19 March 2026) (Judgment) new.kenyalaw.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- How do I register for SHA? sha.go.ke · read 5 Oct 2026