NHIF membership is available to all Kenyan citizens who are 18 years of age or older. Individuals can apply for membership for themselves or for their families, including their spouses and children under 18 years of age. For self-employed individuals or those in the informal sector or retirees, NHIF registration is open and voluntary, but for those employed by the government or in formal employment, it is mandatory.
Online NHIF Registration Requirements for Self Employed
To successfully complete online registration with NHIF as a Kenyan citizen, the following documents must be scanned and attached:
- A copy of your original identification document
- A recent passport-sized photo of yourself, as well as one of your spouse if applicable
- A sworn affidavit or marriage certificate if adding a spouse to your registration.
Read: How to Pay NHIF Premiums, Penalties, and View Account Status.
NHIF Registration Requirements for Foreign Residents
For NHIF registration, individuals holding foreign identification must provide the following documents:
- A copy of their passport or alien certificate
- A recent passport-sized photo.
How to Register for NHIF Online
First of all, make sure all the required documents listed above are available. Then follow the steps below to apply for Self employed NHIF membership online:
- Visit the NHIF registration link nhif.or.ke/healthinsurance/registeronline
- Click on the Self Employed menu (at the top) and select Register Now
- A new form appears where you are required to carefully fill in the registration details
- Select your identification type; either Kenyan Identity Card or Alien Identity Card
- After filling in the required information, attach your member identification document and your passport photo
- Attach any other required document, like marriage certificate or sworn in affidavit, where applicable
- Confirm that the details you have entered are correct and then click the link, CLICK TO CONFIRM, just below the form
- Save your details
After successful registration, NHIF will send you an SMS confirming your registration status. You can now begin making your monthly contribution of KSh 500 to begin enjoying NHIF services. However, you must wait for at least three months for your NHIF card to be active.
To choose a facility, look at this article: How to Choose or Change NHIF Outpatient Facility Online, USSD Code or App.

Change NHIF outpatient by app.
NHIF Dependents and Spouse Registration
To add your spouse and dependents, you will need to visit your nearest NHIF centre or Huduma Centre.
You will need to take the following documents physically with you:
- Copy of your ID and that of your spouse
- Copy of Birth Certificates (or birth notification for children below 6 months)
- A coloured passport sized photo of spouse and children
- Sworn affidavit or marriage certificate
Also Read:
To know what to do to register for nhif
I want to start saving money with NHIF.
I want to see my nhif number
Hi send the word ID followed by the ID number to 21101 or dial *155# and follow prompts.