The Ministry of Education has issued a directive requiring all parents and schools in Kenya to register students with the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) by August 26, 2024. This move aims to ensure that all students are enrolled in the insurance scheme before the commencement of the 2024 third term.
In a letter addressed to educational institutions across the country, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang emphasized the urgency of the registration process. The directive also informs that the enhanced Edu Afya package, which was previously discontinued in 2023, will now be offered through SHIF. The program has been reintroduced by the Ministry of Health under SHIF, with an allocation of KES 4.6 billion.
According to Section 26 of the Social Health Insurance Act, all Kenyan citizens, including children, are required to register with the Social Health Insurance Fund. The Ministry of Health, through the State Department for Medical Services and the Social Health Authority, has developed an upgraded Edu Afya benefit package under SHIF.
Parents are required to register their school-going children as dependents under SHIF. The registration can be completed via a USSD code, through the SHIF website, or on the Afya Ng’u website. Detailed instructions, including the registration manual, have been provided to facilitate the process.
The Ministry has urged all parents and schools to ensure compliance before the start of the new term. Parents can visit the website sha.go.ke, dial ‘147#’, or use afyangu.go.ke for registration. Additionally, a soft copy of the registration form is available online at www.sha.go.ke. For assistance, parents can contact the Social Health Authority call center at 0800720601 or email [email protected].
The Ministry of Education has requested that this information be widely disseminated to ensure every student is registered with the Social Health Insurance Fund, securing their access to the enhanced medical benefits under the Edu Afya package.
