SHA vs NHIF: What Changed and What It Means for You

NHIF is gone. SHA is here.

But what actually changed? Is it just a name change, or did the whole system transform?

Here's a clear comparison of what was and what is now.

Table of Contents

• The Big Picture Change
  • What Was NHIF?
  • What Is SHA?
• Key Differences
  • 1. Contribution Structure
  • 2. Coverage Scope
  • 3. Facility Access
  • 4. Mandatory vs Optional
  • 5. Fund Structure
• What Stayed the Same
• What This Means for You
  • For Employed People
  • For Self-Employed
  • For Informal Sector
• Transition from NHIF to SHA
  • For Existing NHIF Members
  • For Employers
  • What to Check
• Common Questions
  • "Do I need to re-register?"
  • "Is my NHIF card still valid?"
  • "Did my contributions carry over?"
  • "Can I use my old facilities?"
  • "Are my dependents still covered?"
• Advantages of SHA Over NHIF
• Criticisms and Concerns
• Tips for the Transition
  • Do
  • Don't
• The Bottom Line
• Next Steps

The Big Picture Change

What Was NHIF?

National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) was Kenya's national health insurance scheme since 1966.

What Is SHA?

Social Health Authority (SHA) is the new system under the Social Health Insurance Act.

Key Differences

1. Contribution Structure

NHIF (Old):

SHA/SHIF (New):

Example comparison:

Impact: Lower earners pay similar amounts. Higher earners pay significantly more.

2. Coverage Scope

NHIF Coverage:

SHA Coverage:

3. Facility Access

NHIF:

• Accredited public and private facilities
• Had to choose facility for outpatient
• Changes required process

SHA:

• Wider network of accredited facilities
• More flexibility in facility choice
• National validity

4. Mandatory vs Optional

NHIF:

• Mandatory for formal sector
• Optional for informal sector
• Could opt for private insurance instead (some employers)

SHA:

• Mandatory for all
• Cannot opt out with private insurance
• Private insurance is supplementary, not replacement

5. Fund Structure

NHIF:

• Single fund managing everything
• All contributions to one pool

SHA:

• Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) — main insurance
• Emergency, Medical and Medevac Fund (EMMF) — emergencies
• Primary Healthcare Fund (PHCF) — primary care
• Other specialized funds

What Stayed the Same

What This Means for You

For Employed People

For Self-Employed

For Informal Sector

Transition from NHIF to SHA

For Existing NHIF Members

1. Your data transferred — NHIF records moved to SHA
2. Status should carry over — Active NHIF = Active SHA
3. Verify anyway — Check your status in SHA system
4. New contributions — SHIF deductions replace NHIF

For Employers

1. Update payroll — SHIF deduction percentage
2. Use new codes — SHA paybill numbers
3. Same deduction timing — Monthly with salary
4. Register new employees — With SHA, not NHIF

What to Check

Common Questions

"Do I need to re-register?"

For most people, no. Your NHIF registration should transfer. But verify your status in the SHA system.

"Is my NHIF card still valid?"

Transition period may allow it. But the SHA system uses ID verification. Your ID is your primary identifier now.

"Did my contributions carry over?"

Your membership history should transfer. Verify your status shows as active.

"Can I use my old facilities?"

If they're SHA accredited, yes. Some may need to get new accreditation. Verify before visiting.

"Are my dependents still covered?"

They should transfer. But verify in SHA system that they appear under your account.

Advantages of SHA Over NHIF

Criticisms and Concerns

Tips for the Transition

Do

Don't

The Bottom Line

SHA is more comprehensive but costs more for higher earners. The transition requires attention to ensure your coverage is active and your dependents are registered.

Next Steps

1. Check your SHA status (app or portal)
2. Verify dependents transferred
3. Confirm correct deductions on payslip
4. Download SHA Super App
5. Find accredited facilities near you
6. Read: SHA Benefits Guide