The Social Health Authority (SHA) has unveiled a list of 12 candidates shortlisted for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with acting CEO Robert Ingasira and former Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi among the notable contenders. The interviews are scheduled for April 7 and 8 at the SHA headquarters in Nairobi.
The shortlisted candidates emerged from a pool of 92 applicants who expressed interest in the position following the suspension of former CEO Elijah Wachira in November 2023. Ingasira, who has been serving in an acting capacity, will now compete for the role alongside other high-profile candidates, including Kennedy Akello, Roberts Abok, Serem Edward, Wario Tore, Agrippina Fernendes, Abdullahi Abdirahman, Musa Lwegado, Samson Kairang’a, Dinah Kirwa, and Kandie Ng’ochoch.
The SHA, which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) after the enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act in 2023, is tasked with managing public health insurance to ensure accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for all Kenyans and eligible residents. The authority officially commenced operations on October 1, 2024.
Ahead of the interviews, the SHA has called on the public to submit any adverse information about the shortlisted candidates by April 4, 2025. This move underscores the authority’s commitment to transparency and integrity in the recruitment process. Candidates are required to present original academic and professional certificates, national identity cards, and valid clearances from key institutions, including the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
The SHA’s recruitment notice also emphasized the need for foreign degree holders to provide a recognition letter from the Commission for University Education. Additionally, applicants must submit recommendation letters or certificates of good standing from relevant professional bodies.
As the interview dates approach, all eyes are on the SHA to see who will take the helm of this critical institution, which plays a pivotal role in Kenya’s healthcare system. The selection of a competent and visionary leader will be crucial in driving the authority’s mandate to transform healthcare access and affordability for millions of Kenyans.
