The Social Health Authority (SHA) has taken a significant step in its search for a new Chief Executive Officer, shortlisting 12 candidates from an initial pool of 92 applicants. Among the notable contenders are former Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi and Robert Ingasira, who has been serving as acting CEO since the suspension of Elijah Wachira in November 2024. Wachira was removed from office pending investigations into his professional conduct and job performance, prompting SHA to initiate a recruitment process for a permanent successor.
The vacancy attracted considerable attention when SHA announced it on February 27, 2025, closing applications by March 20. In a public notice issued by SHA CEO Abdi Mohammed, it was confirmed that interviews will be conducted on April 7 and 8, 2025, at the authority’s headquarters in Nairobi. Candidates are required to arrive 30 minutes before their allotted interview time, signaling a structured and punctual process. The public has also been encouraged to participate by submitting any relevant or adverse information concerning the shortlisted individuals. This information must be submitted to the Chairperson of the SHA Board either physically or via email before the April 4 deadline.
Besides Mwangangi and Ingasira, the shortlist includes Kennedy Akello, Roberts Abok, Serem Edward, Wario Tore, Agrippina Fernendes, Abdullahi Abdirahman, Musa Lwegado, Samson Kairang’a, Dinah Kirwa, and Kandie Ng’ochoch. The broad selection reflects a mix of individuals with varying backgrounds and expertise, all of whom are now competing for a position that will shape the future of Kenya’s healthcare funding landscape.
Candidates are required to provide a series of documents at the interview, including original national identity cards, academic credentials, professional certificates, and transcripts. In addition, they must obtain clearance from several key institutions, such as the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Higher Education Loans Board, a registered Credit Reference Bureau, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. For candidates who studied abroad, proof of recognition from the Commission for University Education is mandatory, along with letters of good standing from professional bodies where applicable.
SHA, a relatively new state corporation, was established under the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023, replacing the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). It began its operations on October 1, 2024, with the aim of enhancing access to affordable and quality healthcare for all Kenyans and eligible residents. As SHA seeks to fulfill its mandate, leadership stability and efficiency remain crucial. The appointment of a substantive CEO is therefore pivotal to driving the Authority’s strategic direction, especially amid increased scrutiny over healthcare spending and revenue collection.
This recruitment comes at a time when the government is focusing on strengthening accountability in public health financing. Recent developments, including efforts to audit employers who have defaulted on SHA contributions and demands from faith-based hospitals for the settlement of a substantial Sh10 billion debt, underscore the need for competent leadership. The shortlisted candidates, especially those with experience in health policy and public administration, will be expected to present compelling visions for steering SHA towards improved healthcare delivery in Kenya.
