The Ministry of Health has issued guidance to employers on registering their staff with the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which will replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) effective October 1, 2024. The registration deadline for employers is September 30, 2024.
The new SHIF system, introduced under the Social Health Act 2023, requires all Kenyan citizens and their dependents to be registered. Employers must use the SHA Employer Portal (https://sha.go.ke/) to manage their employees’ SHIF contributions. The portal will allow employers to:
– Register employees and their dependents.
– Make SHIF contributions on behalf of employees.
– Generate reports.
– Update employee information.
Steps to Access and Use the Portal:
1. Visit the SHA website and create an employer account.
2. Follow the instructions to verify your account.
3. Enter employee details and complete their registration with SHA.
4. Use the portal to remit SHIF contributions timely.
The Ministry of Health is conducting a countrywide sensitization campaign to encourage registration before the deadline. As of September 16, 2024, Health CS Deborah Barasa reported that over 1.2 million people have already registered voluntarily. She emphasized that current NHIF members will be transferred to the new SHIF system, so completing registration is crucial before accessing healthcare services.
