Former Health CAS Mercy Mwangangi has been appointed the new CEO of the Social Health Authority (SHA).

In a statement on Friday, April 11, Health CS Aden Duale said the appointment followed a rigorous recruitment process.

Duale further highlighted Mwangangi’s extensive background in health policy and governance.

"Dr. Mwangangi, a health financing and policy expert with over 15 years of experience in universal health coverage (UHC), institutional reform, and health systems strengthening, a proven leader in health governance, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships, with an exceptional track record of driving policy transformation and financing reforms in Kenya’s healthcare landscape, is poised to lead SHA into the next Chapter," the statement read in part.

According to the statement, Mwangangi currently serves as the Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa, where she has led initiatives across Africa.  

"Dr. Mwangangi is currently the Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa where she has been spearheading health financing and health security investments across Africa, securing development assistance funding for primary healthcare and universal coverage expansion,” the statement added.

Additionally, Duale expressed confidence in Mwangangi's ability to lead the SHA effectively.  

“The Ministry congratulates Dr. Mwangangi on her appointment and wishes her all the best as she becomes the first Chief Executive Officer for the Social Health Authority. We are confident that she has what it takes to steer SHA and deliver on the mandate of SHA," the statement further read.

Mwangangi was among 15 individuals shortlisted for the job. 

Others were Kennedy Odhiambo Akello, Robert Mbarani Ingasira, Roberts Eloto Abok, Dr. Serem Kimutai Edward, and Wario Boru Tore. 

Dr. Agrippina Njoki Fernandes, Abdullahi Sheikh Abdirahman, Dr. Musa Nyandusi Lwegado, Dr. Samson Kuhora Kairang’a, Dinah Jemelly Kirwa and Kandie Ng’ochoch also made it to the final list.

The SHA CEO post fell vacant following the suspension of Elijah Wachira who served as the CEO until November 2024.

In an internal memo dated Tuesday, November 12, 2024, SHA Chairperson Dr. Abdi Mohamed said Robert Ingasira will serve as CEO in an acting capacity as Wachira proceeds on compulsory leave.

"This is to inform you of the Resolution of the Board to appoint Mr. Robert Ingasira as Acting Chief Executive Officer SHA and NHIF effective immediately as Mr. Elijah Wachira proceeds on Compulsory Leave," the memo read.

Wachira was accused of frustrating payments of outstanding debts to health facilities despite the availability and approval of funds.

"It therefore is a concern when the Acting CEO, Mr. Elijah Wachira takes actions that not only go against this effort but put the delivery of health care services at risk despite the government’s best effort by diverting resources to a tune of Ksh 1.6 billion earmarked for offsetting debt to public government facilities almost leading to paralysis of healthcare on account of pending bills," Mohamed said.

He added, "The former Acting CEO effectively bungled the NHIF transition to SHA and Frustrated outstanding debt payments to health facilities despite availability and approval of the same."