SHA Registration Channels: USSD, App, Web and Assisted
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Quick answer
SHA offers more than one way to register: the USSD short code *147#, the SHA App, the web portal at sha.go.ke, or agent-assisted registration. Each works the same way underneath, but suits different people depending on their phone and comfort with digital steps.
Key things to know
- USSD (*147#) works on any mobile phone and doesn't need internet.
- The SHA App and web portal (sha.go.ke) suit people comfortable with smartphones or computers.
- Assisted registration exists for people who can't manage the digital channels alone.
- All channels ask for the same core information — identification, contact and household details.
What this means
Registration channel just refers to how you reach SHA's registration system — the information required and the outcome are the same whichever channel you use. Choosing the right one mostly affects how smooth the process feels.
USSD registration (*147#)
USSD is the simplest channel for most Kenyans because it works on any phone and doesn't use data or internet. You dial the short code and follow prompts that ask for your ID number, a PIN you set, your employment status, civil status and whether you have a disability to declare.
Because it's menu-driven, USSD is quick but gives you less room to review what you've entered before submitting. People who prefer to see everything on a screen before confirming sometimes find the app or web portal easier.
The SHA App and the web portal
The SHA App and the sha.go.ke web portal offer the same registration flow with more visual guidance — useful if you want to double-check entries like your contact details or dependants before submitting. They need a smartphone or computer with internet access.
These channels can also be more convenient for people managing registration for several household members at once, since you can move between sections more easily than on a USSD menu.
Agent-assisted registration
Assisted registration is built for anyone who finds the digital channels difficult — including people without a smartphone, people who aren't confident with digital steps, elderly members, people in rural areas, or anyone who would simply rather have someone guide them through it.
It uses the same registration system as the other channels; the difference is that someone helps you provide the information and move through the steps.
Choosing between them
There isn't a 'best' channel in general — only the one that fits your situation. If you have a basic phone and no internet, USSD is the practical option. If you're comfortable with a smartphone and want to see things clearly, the app or web portal may suit you better. If you'd rather not navigate any of it alone, assisted registration is there for exactly that.
Why you may be seeing it
- You're unsure which registration channel applies to your phone or situation
- You started on one channel and want to know if switching to another would be easier
- You're helping a relative choose the right way to register
- A previous attempt on one channel didn't go smoothly and you want an alternative
Common situations
Common scenario
No smartphone, no internet
Someone with a basic phone and no data bundle can still register fully using USSD, since it doesn't require internet access.
Common scenario
Registering several family members
A household registering multiple dependants at once may find the app or web portal easier to manage than moving through USSD menus repeatedly.
What information may matter
- What kind of phone or device you have access to
- Whether you have reliable internet for the app or web portal
- How comfortable you are completing digital forms without guidance
- Whether you're registering just yourself or also dependants
What you can check
- Confirm which channel you actually attempted, since each can behave slightly differently.
- Note whether you reached the end of the process or stopped partway.
- Check whether you received any confirmation after submitting.
- Think about whether a different channel might suit your situation better going forward.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all channels require internet — USSD does not.
- Switching channels partway through and submitting the same information twice.
- Not confirming whether a registration attempt actually completed before trying again.
When assistance may be useful
Not sure which channel fits your situation, or want someone to handle it with you? SHA Desk offers assisted registration and can also help you understand what happened on a previous attempt.
WhatsApp SHA DeskCommon questions
Do I need internet to register for SHA?
No. USSD (*147#) works without internet. The SHA App and web portal need a data connection.
Is one channel more 'official' than another?
No. USSD, the app, web portal and assisted registration all feed into the same SHA registration system.
Can I switch channels if one isn't working for me?
Yes, in principle. If you're unsure whether a previous attempt completed, it's worth checking before starting again.
Is SHA Desk an official registration channel?
No. SHA Desk is an independent assistance service. Registration itself happens through official SHA channels.
Official sources & references
Official procedures, requirements and benefits are set by the relevant authorities and can change.
- Social Health Authority (sha.go.ke)
- Digital Health Agency — Frequently Asked Questions — Assisted Registration Accessed 6 October 2026
- Ministry of Health — Social Health Authority Registration Through USSD (*147#) Accessed 6 October 2026
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