Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli has rallied Kenyan workers to support the Social Health Authority to enjoy its benefits.
The SHA rollout will take place on October 1, 2024, according to the Ministry of Health.
In a statement on Thursday, Atwoli gave three reasons why SHA was going to be a game-changer.
"The Social Health Insurance Fund premiums are notably lower for low-cadre workers compared to those charged by the National Health Insurance Fund," Atwoli said.
He said this adjustment directly benefits the majority of Cotu members.
"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," he said.
He said, unlike the NHIF, the 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 programme," he said.
The secretary-general said SHIF will make healthcare more equitable.
"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," he said.
He further pleaded with Kenyan workers to consider SHA.
"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," he said.
"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," he said.