COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called for urgent internal reforms at the Social Health Authority ( SHA), saying the institution’s current challenges stem largely from administrative and operational inefficiencies rather than its core structure.

Speaking during the 61st Labour Day celebrations held at Friends School Chavakali High School in Vihiga County, Atwoli noted that SHA has shown strong potential in delivering on its mandate, but internal management issues have slowed its effectiveness.

“At the time we conducted our assessment, your Excellency, it was clear that the intention behind establishing SHA was noble,” Atwoli said.

“As a member of the board, I can confidently state that the challenges facing the authority are internal. Beyond that, it has done a commendable job.”

He pointed out that overlapping responsibilities and the management of critical systems outside the authority’s direct control have created friction between health insurers and service providers.

According to Atwoli, granting SHA full administrative authority over its operational platform would help eliminate many of the current conflicts and improve service delivery.

“If SHA is given complete administrative control of that platform, rather than having it managed separately, that will be the end of the conflicts we are witnessing between insured organisations and service providers,” he stated.

Beyond health sector reforms, the veteran trade unionist also challenged the government to strengthen labour protections, particularly for domestic workers, by ratifying key international labour conventions.

“To protect our domestic workers, let us ratify International Labour Organization Convention 190, which addresses harassment and violence in the workplace,” Atwoli urged.

He added that Convention 190, together with Convention 189 on domestic workers’ rights, has already been adopted by many nations globally, arguing that delaying their ratification undermines efforts to improve workers’ welfare.

“These conventions have been embraced by many countries around the world.

Anyone standing in the way of their ratification is frustrating the progress your government seeks to make in protecting workers,” he said.

This year’s Labour Day celebrations drew thousands of workers, union leaders, and government officials to Vihiga, marking a historic shift as the national event was held outside Nairobi for the first time in decades.

The gathering focused on workers’ rights, labour reforms, and strengthening social protection systems for Kenyan employees.