SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has introduced biometric fingerprint identification for registered child beneficiaries aged between 7 and 17 years.
In a public notice on Tuesday, July 7, SHA CEO Mercy Mwangangi said the move aimed at strengthening beneficiary verification during access to healthcare services.
Mwangangi noted that the fingerprints will be captured at SHA-contracted healthcare providers when children visit.
“SHA has introduced fingerprint identification for registered child dependants aged 7 to 17 years. The child’s fingerprint will be captured at a SHA-contracted healthcare provider when the child visits for treatment.
“It will be used to identify the child and confirm that the correct beneficiary is receiving care,” read the notice in part.
According to the authority, the biometric verification will be used to confirm the identity of the child and ensure that healthcare services are provided to the correct registered beneficiary.
SHA noted that parents or legal guardians must provide consent before a child’s fingerprint can be captured.
“Parents or guardians are required to give consent for the fingerprint to be captured,” said Mwangangi.
The SHA CEO further said that where fingerprint verification is not possible, healthcare providers will instead verify the beneficiary using the contributor’s identification number together with a one-time password (OTP).
“The child’s information will be handled securely in line with the Data Protection Act, 2019. This process is supported by the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 and Regulation 38 of the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024,” Mwangangi added.
The exercise forms part of the Digital Health Agency’s efforts to strengthen digital health systems and improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in healthcare delivery.
