The Ministry of Health, on behalf of the government, has declared that all 7-year-old children must be registered for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) within a 90-day period beginning March 1.

This directive, outlined in the Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations of 2024, is part of the government's initiative to implement universal healthcare coverage.

According to the regulations, every individual residing in Kenya must apply for SHIF membership within ninety days of the regulations taking effect. However, children under the age of seven may have their registration handled by their parents or guardians.

Parents or guardians registering children under seven years old must provide a birth certificate or birth notification. Birth notifications are only acceptable for children under six months of age.

Upon reaching the age of seven, children must be presented at a designated service point for the collection of their biometric data.

Once registered, children will be eligible to access benefits through their parents or guardians until they reach the age of 21, which is considered the age of majority. At this point, they will be required to make separate contributions.

Unemployed individuals participating in educational programs will be granted an additional four years of coverage before their names are removed from the beneficiary list.

The regulations also stipulate that the Social Health Authority will suspend the SHIF membership of individuals who, having reached the age of majority, fail to update their registration details.

The SHIF replaces the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) as part of the government's efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality nationwide.