Technology Polko October 17, 2024

How To Add Dependents in the Social Health Authority (SHA)

The Social Health Authority (SHA) was established to enhance healthcare services in Kenya by facilitating access through enlisting and contracting providers and facilities.

This system is based on referrals from primary health facilities, ensuring that all residents receive the care they need.

Registration Requirements for SHA Members

All residents of Kenya are required to register as members of the SHA within 90 days of the regulations coming into effect. After registration, members can add dependents, including spouses, biological children, adopted children, and children in loco parentis.

How to Add Dependents on SHA

Adding dependents to your SHA membership is a straightforward process. Below, we outline how to add various types of dependents:

1. Adding a Spouse

To add a spouse, members must provide proof of marriage. Acceptable documents include:

Marriage certificate
Affidavit
Letter from the chief

Once the documents are verified, the member 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.

2. Adding a Biological Child

For parents wishing to add a biological child, the following documents are required:

For children under 18: Birth certificate number or birth notification reference number.
For children aged 18 and older: ID number.
For children aged 21 to 25: Proof of school enrollment is necessary.
For children over 25: Inclusion as dependents is only possible if they have a disability.

3. Adding an Adopted Child

To add an adopted child, parents must submit relevant adoption documents as proof. If the adopted child is over 21, proof of enrollment in school is also necessary.

4. Adding a Child as a Guardian in Loco Parentis

The term ‘in loco parentis’ refers to someone acting in place of a parent and assuming parental responsibilities for another child. In this case, the guardian must provide court documents that establish their parental responsibilities. The same age requirements for biological children apply.

5. Adding a Disabled Dependent

The SHA allows subscribers to add immediate relatives—such as parents, siblings, and children—who are disabled and under their care. To do this, members must provide the national identification numbers of the disabled dependents.