The Ministry of Health has announced the appointment of Dr Mercy Mwangangi as Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In a statement, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Dr Mwangangi, the former Health Chief Administrative Secretary, was appointed following a competitive recruitment process involving a total of 92 applicants, 12 of whom were shortlisted.
“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,” said CS Duale.
Dr Mwangangi is stepping into the role from AMREF Health Africa, where she was serving as Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director.
However, Dr Mwangangi is not new to the Kenyan public.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta with former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe (left) and former Chief Adminstrative Secretary Dr Mercy Mwangangi on February 7, 2022.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
In January 2020, she served as Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) at Afya House following her appointment by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Her tenure was significantly defined by the onset and subsequent management of the Covid-19 pandemic, alongside then Health CS Mutahi Kagwe. The pandemic hit Kenya just two months after her appointment.
Former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe (centre), former Chief Administrative Secretary Dr Mercy Mwangangi and Health Services Director-General Dr Patrick Amoth.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Dr Mwangangi's term as CAS ended with the 2022 General Election and a new government administration led by President William Ruto.
At SHA, she will be taking over from Robert Ingasira, who has been the Acting CEO since November 2024.
Mr Ingasira took over from Elijah Wachira, who also served as acting CEO during the initial phase of transition from NHIF to SHA. His tenure was brief, ending in November 2024 when the SHA board sent him on compulsory leave.
SHA was established by the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 which was enacted to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
As CEO, Dr Mwangangi will be expected to address a number of challenges that have bedeviled the Authority, including addressing payment of about Sh33 billion inherited from NHIF, improving contributions and increasing registrations.
A report tabled in the Senate revealed that while 18 million Kenyans have signed up for SHA, only four million are actively making contributions.
Dr Mwangangi will also be expected to building public trust by addressing widespread public frustration and confusion regarding the use of SHA in hospitals.
