SHA replaced NHIF in Kenya, bringing changes to how health insurance contributions, healthcare benefits and access to medical services are managed. Here’s a simple guide to the key differences in 2026.
SHA vs NHIF: What’s the Difference Between SHA and NHIF?
SHA replaced NHIF in Kenya, bringing changes to how health insurance contributions, healthcare benefits and access to medical services are managed. Here’s a simple guide to the key differences in 2026.
The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) was Kenya’s main public health insurer for many years. In 2024, it was replaced by the Social Health Authority (SHA) as the country introduced a new approach to financing healthcare.
The change has left many Kenyans wondering what happened to NHIF, how SHA works and whether the two systems are really different.
Here’s what you need to know.
SHA vs NHIF: Quick Comparison
| Feature | NHIF | SHA |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | National Health Insurance Fund | Social Health Authority |
| Status | Replaced | Current system |
| Legal framework | NHIF Act | Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 |
| Registration | NHIF membership | SHA registration |
| Contributions | Mainly fixed monthly rates based on income/category | Based on the current SHA contribution framework |
| Healthcare financing | NHIF benefit packages | Multiple funds under the new system |
| Healthcare providers | NHIF-accredited facilities | SHA-empanelled and contracted facilities |
What Was NHIF?
NHIF was Kenya’s national health insurance fund before the introduction of SHA.
Workers in formal employment, self-employed Kenyans and voluntary contributors could join the fund and make monthly payments in exchange for access to various healthcare services.
Depending on the member’s cover, NHIF provided benefits such as outpatient treatment, inpatient care, maternity services and some specialized medical services.
What Is SHA?
SHA stands for Social Health Authority.
It is the government body responsible for managing Kenya’s new social health insurance system. SHA was established under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, following the replacement of NHIF.
Unlike the old NHIF system, the new framework uses different funds to finance different areas of healthcare.
These include:
- Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)
- Primary Healthcare Fund
- Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund
The aim is to improve access to healthcare and reduce the amount people have to pay directly when they need medical treatment.
1. The Legal Framework Is Different
NHIF operated under the NHIF Act.
SHA operates under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, which introduced the new healthcare financing structure.
This means SHA is not simply NHIF under a different name. The new system changed how healthcare financing and administration are organized.
2. Registration
NHIF
People registered as NHIF members through NHIF offices and online services.
SHA
People now register through SHA.
Registration can be done through the SHA online platform, USSD and assisted registration channels, including Huduma Centers and other authorized points.
If you were previously an NHIF member, you should make sure you are registered in the current SHA system.
3. Contributions
This is one of the biggest differences between the two systems.
Under NHIF, many members paid a set monthly amount based on their income and membership category.
SHA uses a different contribution system. For people in formal employment, contributions are based on their income, while other categories may be assessed differently under the current rules.
This means you should not use your old NHIF contribution rate to determine how much you are required to pay under SHA.
Contribution rules can also be updated, so it is best to check the latest official SHA requirements.
4. Healthcare Benefits
NHIF offered different healthcare benefits depending on a member’s cover and the services available under the fund.
These included:
- Outpatient treatment
- Inpatient care
- Maternity services
- Specialist treatment
- Other approved medical services
SHA takes a different approach by spreading healthcare financing across several funds.
The Primary Healthcare Fund, for example, supports primary healthcare services such as consultations, diagnosis, treatment and certain laboratory and radiology services.
The Social Health Insurance Fund covers services provided under its approved benefit package, while the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund is designed to support qualifying emergency, chronic and critical healthcare needs.
5. Dependants
NHIF allowed members to include eligible dependants under their membership.
SHA also captures household and dependant information during registration and assessment.
Members should therefore make sure their information and that of their eligible dependants is correctly recorded and updated when necessary.
6. Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Both systems work with approved healthcare providers, but the way providers are managed under SHA has changed.
NHIF worked with accredited hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Under SHA, healthcare providers are empanelled and contracted to provide services under the new system.
SHA also places greater emphasis on primary healthcare, with members expected to access certain services through designated primary healthcare facilities.
What Happened to NHIF Members?
NHIF was officially replaced as Kenya moved to the SHA system.
Former NHIF members therefore need to use SHA for their current health insurance needs.
If you were previously an NHIF member, check your SHA registration and make sure your personal and household information is up to date.
Is NHIF Still Active?
No.
NHIF has been replaced by SHA under Kenya’s current health insurance system.
This means new members should register with SHA rather than NHIF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SHA the same as NHIF?
No. NHIF was the former national health insurance fund, while SHA is the authority managing Kenya’s current social health insurance system.
Do I still need an NHIF card?
No. NHIF has been replaced by SHA. You should use the current SHA system for your healthcare registration and services.
Are SHA contributions the same as NHIF contributions?
No. SHA uses a different contribution structure from the one used by NHIF. The amount you pay depends on your circumstances and the current rules.
Can former NHIF members use SHA?
Yes. Former NHIF members should register with SHA and ensure their details are correctly captured in the new system.
What is the biggest difference between SHA and NHIF?
The biggest difference is that SHA introduced a new healthcare financing structure rather than simply continuing the old NHIF system. It uses different funds to finance various areas of healthcare and has changed how contributions and access to services are managed.
Conclusion
The transition from NHIF to SHA brought major changes to Kenya’s health insurance system.
NHIF was the former national health insurer, while SHA now manages the country’s social health insurance framework. The new system has changed how people register, contribute and access healthcare.
If you were an NHIF member, the most important thing is to make sure you are properly registered with SHA and keep your details up to date.
For the latest contribution rates, registration requirements and benefit information, always check the current SHA guidelines, as these can change over time.
