SHA Dependant Documentation: What May Be Asked For
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Quick answer
The document expected for the SHA dependant change depends on what's changing — a new spouse, a new child, an adopted child, a divorce, a death or an annulment each have their own associated documentation. Knowing which category applies to you is the first step before gathering anything.
Key things to know
- A new spouse generally needs a copy of their ID and proof of marriage.
- A new child generally needs a birth certificate or birth notification.
- An adopted child has its own path involving documents recognised under the Children Act.
- Divorce, death and annulment each have their own associated document.
What this means
Adding or changing a dependant on your SHA household is an amendment to your record, and each type of amendment is tied to a specific kind of supporting document. This exists so that changes to who's covered under your account are properly supported, not just stated.
New spouse or child
Adding a spouse is generally associated with a copy of the spouse's ID and proof of marriage. Adding a child is generally associated with a birth certificate or, for a newborn, a birth notification. These are the two most common dependant additions SHA Desk sees.
Adopted children
An adopted child follows a different path, generally involving a will, deed, court order or other document recognised under the Children Act. This reflects that adoption has its own legal process, separate from a straightforward birth.
Divorce, annulment and death
Where a marriage ends in divorce, a decree absolute is the associated document. Where a marriage is annulled, it's a decree of annulment. Where a beneficiary has died, a death certificate (or a decree presuming death, in certain circumstances) supports deregistering them and retiring their SHA number.
General dependant information collected
Beyond the document tied to the specific change, SHA generally collects full name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, a passport photo, nationality where necessary, contact information, relationship to the principal member, and disability information if applicable, for any dependant being declared.
Why you may be seeing it
- Each type of dependant change is tied to its own supporting document, not a single universal one.
- Knowing your category before gathering documents saves time.
- General dependant details (name, date of birth, relationship, etc.) are collected regardless of category.
- Mismatched documents are a common reason a dependant change doesn't go through.
Common situations
Common scenario
Multiple changes at once
A household needs to both add a newborn and remove a dependant following a death, and wants to understand the two documents involved rather than treat it as one process.
Common scenario
Unsure which category applies
A member wants to add a child who was informally adopted within the family and isn't sure whether the standard birth certificate route or the adoption route applies.
What information may matter
- Which category your dependant change falls under
- Whether you hold the document associated with that category
- Whether the general dependant details (name, DOB, relationship, photo) are ready
- Whether more than one change is happening at once
What you can check
- List exactly what is changing — addition, removal, or a correction.
- Match that change to its associated document type before visiting a registration point.
- Gather the general dependant details alongside the specific document.
- If more than one change applies, treat each one separately.
Common mistakes
- Bringing a general letter instead of the document actually associated with the change.
- Mixing up adoption documentation with standard birth certificate requirements.
- Forgetting the general dependant details (photo, contact info) alongside the main document.
When assistance may be useful
If you're not sure which document applies to your dependant situation, SHA Desk can help you work out what's relevant before you go through the process.
WhatsApp SHA DeskCommon questions
Is there one standard document for all dependant changes?
No — the document depends on the type of change: spouse, child, adoption, divorce, annulment or death each has its own.
What if I don't have the exact document listed?
Requirements can vary, so it's worth checking current official guidance. SHA Desk can help you understand what applies to your situation.
Do I need a passport photo for every dependant?
A passport photo is generally part of the information collected when declaring a dependant.
Official sources & references
Official procedures, requirements and benefits are set by the relevant authorities and can change.
By SHA Desk · Managed by Cyber Kenya
Published 7 October 2026. SHA Desk is an independent assistance service — not SHA, the Digital Health Agency or a government office. About SHA Desk