Dr. Mercy Mwangangi Appointed First CEO of Social Health Authority in Kenya
Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, former Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) at the Ministry of Health, has officially been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Social Health Authority (SHA), marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s ongoing healthcare reforms.
The announcement was made on Friday, April 11, by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who praised Dr. Mwangangi’s extensive experience in health financing, policy, and systems strengthening across Africa.
“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, is a proven leader with an exceptional track record of driving policy transformation,” the Ministry stated.
Currently serving as the Senior Director of Health Systems Strengthening at AMREF Health Africa, Dr. Mwangangi has led groundbreaking initiatives in health security and financing, securing critical development assistance for primary healthcare and UHC expansion across the continent.
Rigorous Selection and High Confidence
Dr. Mwangangi emerged as the successful candidate from a shortlist of 15 highly qualified professionals, including Robert Mbarani Ingasira, Dr. Serem Kimutai Edward, Dr. Agrippina Njoki Fernandes, and Kennedy Odhiambo Akello.
CS Duale expressed full confidence in her ability to steer SHA into a new era of health sector transformation:
“We are confident that she has what it takes to lead SHA and deliver on its critical mandate. The Ministry congratulates her and wishes her success in her new role.”
Leadership Change After Controversy
Dr. Mwangangi’s appointment comes after the suspension of former Acting CEO Elijah Wachira in November 2024. Wachira was accused of mismanaging funds and delaying payments to public health facilities despite the availability and approval of KSh 1.6 billion earmarked for clearing outstanding debts.
In an internal memo dated Tuesday, November 12, 2024, SHA Chairperson Dr. Abdi Mohamed announced that Robert Ingasira would take over as acting CEO pending the board’s final decision.
“The former Acting CEO effectively bungled the NHIF transition to SHA and frustrated debt payments, nearly paralyzing healthcare services,” Dr. Mohamed stated.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Mwangangi now becomes the first-ever CEO of SHA, a position critical to the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to a more robust and inclusive social health insurance framework. Her appointment is widely viewed as a move to restore credibility, accelerate reforms, and build sustainable universal healthcare access for all Kenyans.
