COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has been appointed as a member of the Social Health Authority.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha appointed Atwoli and Zakayo Kariuki Gichuki and Jacinta Kathamu Mutegi in a gazette notification dated November 22, 2023.

The three will serve on the Social Health Authority for three years, beginning November 22, 2023.

PHOTO | COURTESY  Francis Atwoli

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7 (1) of the Social Health Insurance Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Health appoints Zakayo Kariuki Gichuki under paragraph (e), Jacinta Kathamu Mutegi under paragraph (h) (iii) and Francis Atwoli under paragraph (h) (iv) as members of the Social Health Authority, for a period of 3 years, with effect from the 22nd November, 2023," according to the notice in the gazette.

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According to the Social Health Insurance Act, the appointment grants the authority several functions.

These include enrolling beneficiaries, dealing with complaints arising from the Act's implementation, advising the Cabinet Secretary on social health insurance issues, developing strategies, and putting them into action.

PHOTO | COURTESY  Francis Atwoli

Atwoli's appointment follows the passage of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, as announced by the health secretary in a gazette notification on November 21.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 1 of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, the Cabinet Secretary for Health designates the 22nd November 2023, as the date on which the Social Health insurance Act, 2023, shall come in operation," he said.

The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will be replaced by the Act, one of three Universal Health Coverage bills signed into law by President William Ruto in October.