How to Add Adopted Child to SHA Below 18: Documents Needed
How to add adopted child to SHA below 18: log in to Afya Yangu, go to My Profile → Dependants → Add Dependant → Child (adopted), choose below 18, and upload the adoption order with the child’s birth certificate or birth notification number.
This page explains how to add adopted child to SHA below 18 when you have legally adopted the child. The adoption order is the key document, because it shows the child is legally yours.
If you are the child’s guardian but have not adopted them, use the loco parentis page instead.
How to Add Adopted Child to SHA Below 18: Where to Click
- Go to afyayangu.go.ke and log in with your National ID and PIN. Enter the OTP sent to the registered phone.
- Open My Profile from the left-hand menu. On a phone, tap the three dots first.
- Open Dependants, between Income and Next of Kin.
- Choose Add Dependant, then Child (adopted).
- Choose below 18 as the age group.
- Upload the adoption order, enter the child’s birth certificate number or birth notification reference number, then save.
The login and navigation are explained in detail in the full guide on how to add dependants to SHA.
Documents Needed to Add an Adopted Child Under 18 to SHA
- Adoption order
- Birth certificate number, or birth notification reference number
- Your own SHA login (National ID and PIN)
- A working phone for the OTP sent to the account holder
The Adoption Order: What to Upload
The adoption order is the proof SHA asks for. Upload a clear, complete copy of the whole document, not a photo of part of the page.
If the adoption changed the child’s name, make sure the name you enter matches the adoption order.
Tips on How to Add Adopted Child to SHA Below 18 Before You Submit
- Check that the child’s name matches the adoption order and the birth certificate.
- Make sure your own SHA account is active before you add anyone.
- Keep the adoption order and the certificate next to you while you fill in the form.
- Add each child separately, one Add Dependant entry per child.
Is This the Right Page?
This page covers How to Add Adopted Child to SHA Below 18 for an adopted child, under 18. Pick the page that matches your situation.
| Your situation | Page to use |
|---|---|
| Your biological child, under 18 | How to add a child under 18 to SHA |
| Adopted child, 18 or above | How to add an adopted child above 18 |
| Child under your guardianship, under 18 | How to add a loco parentis child under 18 |
| Your spouse | How to add your spouse on SHA |
What Happens After You Add the Child
After you save, SHA verifies the details. Until then the child shows as Pending, so wait for the confirmation before you rely on the cover.
When the child turns 18, the portal asks for the child’s own National ID number. See the adopted child above-18 page for that stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add an adopted child to SHA below 18?
Log in to Afya Yangu, open My Profile, then Dependants, then Add Dependant. Choose Child (adopted), select below 18, and upload the adoption order with the birth certificate number or birth notification reference number.
What if the adoption is not yet finalised by a court?
SHA asks for an adoption order. Without one, you cannot add the child as adopted. If a court has given you guardianship, use the loco parentis route instead.
Which birth certificate do I use?
Use the certificate that matches the child. If the adoption changed the name, make sure the name you enter matches the adoption order.
When does this child need a National ID?
When the child turns 18, the portal asks for the child’s National ID number. See the adopted child above-18 page.
Related Guides
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WhatsApp UsDisclaimer: MyCyber is an independent educational website, not affiliated with SHA, the Ministry of Health or the Government of Kenya. Requirements are based on SHA’s published rules and reported SHA notices, checked on [add date checked on sha.go.ke]. SHA decides whether a dependant is accepted. Confirm at sha.go.ke or call 0800 720 601.
