The Social Health Authority has introduced biometric fingerprint identification for registered child dependants aged between 7 and 17 years, in a move aimed at curbing fraud and ensuring the right beneficiaries access care.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, SHA said the child’s fingerprint will be captured at the point of treatment at any SHA-contracted healthcare facility.
The data will be used to identify the child and confirm that services under the Social Health Insurance scheme are going to the correct beneficiary.
“Parents or guardians are required to give consent for the fingerprint to be captured,” SHA said.
The Authority added that where fingerprint verification is not possible, facilities will have a backup option using the contributor’s identification number and a one-time password, OTP.
SHA assured beneficiaries that the children’s information will be handled securely in line with the Data Protection Act, 2019. The process is backed by the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 and Regulation 38 of the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024.
Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, signed the notice that also urged members of the public seeking clarification to call its toll-free line 147 or visit http://www.sha.go.ke.
The rollout adds to SHA’s broader digitization efforts since the transition from NHIF, as the Authority works to tighten verification and improve accountability in health benefit claims.
