Atwoli wants workers to support SHA

By Peter Ochieng

Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli wants workers across the country to fully support the Social Health Authority (SHA), ahead of its roll-out on October 01, 2024.

In a statement on Thursday afternoon, the long serving COTU boss said the new model of funding for healthcare is ideal for workers, since it offers low insurance premiums.

"The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) premiums are notably lower for low-cadre workers compared to those charged by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF)," said Atwoli.

"According to the COTU research department, the majority of Kenyan workers are paid between Sh15,000 to Sh35,000, which falls within the same bracket and thus equity in the contributions."

Unlike NHIF, Atwoli stated, SHIF aims to expand its coverage to all Kenyans, including those in the informal sector and vulnerable groups.

"This broad coverage will enhance financial protection by improving the benefits package, which includes maternal and child clinics—a better version of what was provided under the Linda Mama program," he added.

"It will ensure that low-income earners contribute less and, in many cases, access healthcare for free, thus reducing inequalities in healthcare access and cost.”

With reports that slightly over 1.2 million Kenyans had registered with SHA, Atwoli urged those who are yet to take the step to do so, as a matter of urgency.

"I wish to call upon all Kenyan workers to enrol in SHA to not only have access to the benefits but also hold the Authority accountable in case services are not provided. We cannot continue sitting on the fence and complaining about a dysfunctional health care system while we are not contributors. We must all join, contribute, and, most importantly, demand for accountability.”

One requires a National ID Number as an adult for registration. For children, a birth certificate is required.​​ Foreign residents may use their foreign Resident Certificate (Alien ID) or a Refugee ID for refugees.

You can register by dialling *147# on your mobile device then proceed to accept the SHA terms and conditions, or online through the SHA website.