The Social Health Authority (SHA) has announced the introduction of fingerprint identification for registered child dependants aged between seven and 17 years as part of efforts to strengthen beneficiary verification and curb cases of impersonation during access to healthcare services.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 7, SHA said the new biometric verification system would be implemented at healthcare facilities contracted under the national health insurance scheme whenever an eligible child visits for treatment.
According to the authority, the child’s fingerprint will be captured during the healthcare visit and linked to their existing SHA registration to enable health facilities to accurately verify their identity before treatment is provided.
SHA Introduces Fingerprint Identification for Child Dependants Aged 7 to 17. Photo: Courtesy.
SHA noted that the child’s fingerprint will be captured at a contracted healthcare provider when the child visits for treatment and will be used to identify the child and confirm that the correct beneficiary is receiving care.
The authority explained that the initiative is intended to enhance the integrity of the healthcare system by ensuring that only legitimate beneficiaries receive services under the Social Health Insurance programme.
SHA emphasized that fingerprint registration will not be carried out without the approval of a parent or legal guardian.
It stated that healthcare providers will only collect a child’s biometric information after obtaining the required consent from the parent or guardian.
The agency further assured the public that the fingerprint registration exercise is designed to make healthcare verification faster and more secure while protecting the rights of child beneficiaries.
Recognising that biometric systems may occasionally fail due to technical issues or fingerprint quality, SHA said alternative verification methods will remain available to ensure beneficiaries are not denied medical services.
Where fingerprint verification is not possible, healthcare facilities will use the contributor’s identification number together with a one-time password (OTP) to verify the beneficiary’s identity.
SHA also sought to reassure parents and guardians over concerns about the safety of children’s personal information, saying all biometric and personal data collected through the process will be handled in strict compliance with Kenya’s data protection laws.
The rollout forms part of SHA’s ongoing efforts to modernise beneficiary verification, reduce fraud within the health insurance system and improve the efficiency of service delivery at healthcare facilities across the country.
By introducing biometric identification for eligible child dependants while retaining alternative verification options, the authority aims to strengthen accountability while ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare services.
