The Social Health Insurance (SHA) authority has warned members of the public against criminals impersonating its staff and charging fees to register or update social health insurance details.
In a statement on November 7, SHA stated that the registration is free, and their staff will never request money or M-Pesa PINs to provide services.
Furthermore, the authority urged anyone affected by such scams to report them immediately to the police and through SHA’s toll-free line, 147, or via [email protected].
“We are deeply saddened and concerned to learn that some members of the public have been defrauded by criminals impersonating SHA employees and conning unsuspecting Kenyans by claiming they can help with registration or speed up SHA services at a fee,” read part of the statement.
“Your trust is sacred to us, and it pains us greatly that dishonest individuals would exploit that trust for their own gain.”
Fraudsters Scamming Kenyans
The warning follows reports from more Kenyans who said they were conned by fraudsters posing as SHA officials offering help with registration.
In November, a man lost over Ksh.287,000 in a well-orchestrated scam involving individuals who posed as officials from the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The suspects convinced him to hand over his phone for a purported SHA registration, and within minutes, his bank account was emptied. They also used his details to take out salary advances and loans.
Police arrested four suspects who remained in custody as investigations continued.
The victim recounted how the fraudsters, pretending to assist with SHA registration, swiftly gained control of his phone and accessed his financial accounts, leaving him with only Ksh 3.
Also Read: Breakthrough as Govt Curbs Fraudulent SHA Claims with New Health System
SHA Registration and Safety Procedure
The authority outlined safe registration procedures that include:
SHA has reminded Kenyans that registration is free and warned against individuals claiming they can help with registration or updates for a fee.
SHA outlined official registration channels:
- Self-registration: USSD (*147#) or online at www.afyayangu.go.ke and www.sha.go.ke
- Assisted registration: Only through SHA County Offices, Huduma Centres, or authorized Community Health Promoters wearing branded vests
Also Read: Govt Shuts Down Several Companies for Scamming Kenyans
Payments for SHA contributions should only be made via M-Pesa Business Number 200222 or designated banks, as communicated by SHA. Staff will never ask for your PIN or phone.
Official outreach or registration drives are announced only through SHA channels, local authorities, and media.
Members of the public are urged not to engage with fraudsters, but to report suspicious individuals to the nearest police station or directly to SHA via the toll-free line 147 or via email at [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].
SHA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring social health insurance services remain transparent, safe, and free from fraud.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
