How to Use SHA at Primegala: A Step-by-Step Guide for Nakuru Families
Everything you need to use the Social Health Authority (SHA) at Primegala Medical Centre, Maili Sita: registering on *147#, checking your status, what the Primary Healthcare Fund covers and what to bring.
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- Primegala Clinical Team
- Published
- Reading time
- 3 min read
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Short answer: If you are registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), you can use it at Primegala Medical Centre for eligible services. Bring your national ID and the phone registered with SHA, and our front desk will confirm your eligibility before treatment.
Since SHA replaced NHIF in October 2024, we've met many patients at our Maili Sita front desk who weren't sure whether they were registered, what was covered or what to bring. This guide answers those questions in one place.
Step 1: Make sure you're registered
Every Kenyan resident is expected to register with SHA. You can:
- Dial *147# on any network and follow the prompts.
- Register online through the official SHA portal.
- Ask us. Our front desk can walk you through registration on your phone.
You'll need your national ID number. Children are registered as dependants of a parent or guardian.
Tip: Register your whole household, not just yourself. Babies and spouses must be added as dependants to be covered.
Step 2: Understand the three SHA funds
SHA pays for care through three funds. Knowing which one applies helps you know what to expect.
| Fund | What it covers | Where it matters at Primegala |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Healthcare Fund (PHCF) | Outpatient consultations, basic lab tests, antenatal care, family planning, child health and other primary care | Most day-to-day visits |
| Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) | Inpatient care, surgery, maternity beyond primary level, specialist services | Admissions |
| Emergency, Chronic & Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF) | Emergencies, critical care and chronic illness beyond SHIF limits | Emergency stabilisation and referral |
Primary care at Level 2 and 3 facilities like Primegala is funded through the PHCF for registered members.
Step 3: Check your status before you need care
Dial *147# and choose the option to check your status. It's much easier to sort out a registration problem on a quiet afternoon than in the middle of the night with a sick child.
Step 4: What happens at the front desk
When you arrive at Primegala:
- Show your ID (or your child's birth certificate).
- We look you up in the national system to confirm your registration and eligibility.
- Verify it's you. You may receive a one-time code on the phone registered with SHA, so keep that phone with you.
- We explain what SHA covers for your visit and whether anything isn't covered, before treatment.
Step 5: Pregnancy and SHA
If you're expecting, register on SHA as early as possible in your pregnancy and confirm your status at your first antenatal visit. Under current SHA rules, normal delivery at Level 2 and 3 facilities is paid for through the Primary Healthcare Fund for registered members. Benefit rules can change, so we'll always confirm what applies to you well before your due date.
Common problems (and fixes)
- "Not found" when we search your ID: You may not be registered, or your details may differ. Register via *147# and we'll check again.
- Your child isn't listed: Add them as a dependant through *147# or the SHA portal.
- Your phone number has changed: Update it with SHA so you can receive verification codes.
How Primegala can help
Our team helps patients register, check status and understand cover every day. If you'd like help before your visit, book a SHA help session or contact us. Find out more on our SHA at Primegala page.
At Primegala
General Outpatient
Walk in any time for coughs, fevers, aches, infections and check-ups.
- Open 24 hours, every day, including public holidays
- Maili Sita, opposite Kiamaina Primary School
- SHA accepted for eligible services
Frequently asked questions
How do I register for SHA?
Dial *147# on your phone and follow the prompts, or register online through the official SHA portal. You need your national ID number. Our front desk at Primegala can help you register if you get stuck.
Can I use SHA at Primegala if my contributions are not up to date?
Primary healthcare services at Level 2 and 3 facilities are funded through the Primary Healthcare Fund for registered members. Inpatient care under SHIF generally requires active contributions. Our front desk will check what applies to you.
What do I need to bring to use SHA?
Bring your national ID (or your child's birth certificate) and the phone number registered with SHA, because the facility may send you a one-time verification code.