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The Nairobian

Atwoli defends SHA, urges critics to give it a chance

National

By Pkemoi Ng'enoh | Mar 29, 2025

**COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli addressing the media in Nairobi on 29,March,2025.** [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General, Francis Atwoli, on Friday defended the controversial medical plan under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Atwoli said that instead of castigating SHA, those opposed to it should allow the State to address the emerging issues.

“Some people have misrepresented the facts about SHA. Some say it is not working, but we have heard testimonies from those who have benefited from it,” Atwoli said.

“It may have some hitches, but it is up to us to make SHA work because there is no other health authority,” he added.

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Atwoli made the remarks during a meeting of general secretaries of Cotu-affiliated unions.

He also provided an update on discussions held in Geneva with other union leaders regulating workers’ affairs under the International Labour Organisation.

“Some of the issues we emphasised include freedom of association to allow workers to join any union,” said Atwoli.

“We are also pushing for the elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation, where people are discriminated against on the basis of gender and other factors,” he added.

He appealed to victims of discrimination to report such cases to labour unions so that action can be taken on their behalf.