The Social Health Authority: A Guide to Adding Dependents
The Social Health Authority (SHA) was established to facilitate healthcare services through empanelled and contracted providers and facilities, based on referrals from primary health facilities.
All residents of Kenya are required to register as members of the SHA within 90 days of the regulations coming into effect. Following registration, members can add dependents, which may include spouses, biological children, adopted children, and children in loco parentis.
How to Add Dependents on SHA
Adding a Spouse
To add a spouse, beneficiaries must provide proof of marriage, which can include a marriage certificate, an affidavit, or a letter from the chief. Once the documents are verified, the beneficiary must submit the spouse’s phone number, to which a one-time password (OTP) will be sent for consent.
Upon successful authentication, the spouse will be added as a beneficiary.
Adding a Biological Child
Parents wishing to add a biological child must provide the child’s birth certificate number or birth notification reference number if the child is under 18. For children aged 18 and older, their ID number is required.
For children aged 21 to 25, proof of school enrollment must be provided. Children over 25 can only be included as dependents if they have a disability.
Adding an Adopted Child
To add an adopted child, parents must submit the relevant adoption documents as proof. If the adopted child is over 21, proof of enrollment in school is also necessary.
Adding a Child as a Guardian in Loco Parentis
‘In loco parentis’ refers to someone acting in place of a parent and assuming parental responsibilities for another’s child.
In this case, the guardian must provide court documents that establish their parental responsibilities. The same age requirements for biological children apply.
Adding a Disabled Dependent
SHA allows subscribers to add immediate relatives—such as parents, siblings, and children—who are disabled and under their care, by providing their national identification numbers.
For more information on the registration process and dependent additions, please visit the SHA website or contact their office directly.
