Aasai

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has expressed congratulations to Dr. Mercy Mwangangi following her appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA). The union described her elevation to the position as timely and essential, given the current challenges facing the newly established institution.

Dr. Mwangangi is a seasoned public health professional whose experience in the health sector spans several years. She emerged as the successful candidate for the SHA CEO position out of a competitive pool of 92 applicants. From this group, 12 individuals were shortlisted and interviewed before she was selected. Her extensive background in health policy and administration made her a strong candidate for the role.

Prior to this appointment, Dr. Mwangangi served as the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) at the Ministry of Health. In this role, she played a critical part in Kenya’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing guidance and leadership during a time of national uncertainty. Currently, she holds the position of Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa, further showcasing her dedication to improving health systems both nationally and continentally.

In a statement issued by the KMPDU Secretary General, Dr. Davji Atellah, the union praised Dr. Mwangangi for her commendable leadership during the pandemic and expressed optimism that she would bring similar dedication, expertise, and energy to the Social Health Authority. “We acknowledge your leadership in navigating the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Atellah stated, noting the hope that her new role will mark the beginning of meaningful transformation within SHA.

Dr. Atellah emphasized that the union sees itself both as a consumer of the services SHA provides and as a vigilant watchdog. He expressed confidence that under Dr. Mwangangi’s stewardship, SHA will become a people-centered institution characterized by transparency and accountability. This will be a shift from the current situation, where public perception of the authority remains largely negative.

He noted that Dr. Mwangangi is inheriting an office full of unresolved issues, including numerous complaints from Kenyans who depend on the authority for health coverage. There are also many pending petitions filed by workers rights groups, including KMPDU itself. These concerns reflect the urgent need for reform and responsiveness within the SHA.

The Social Health Authority was established to take over from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), which was disbanded due to longstanding concerns about inefficiency and mismanagement. Unfortunately, since its creation, SHA has struggled to win public trust. It has been dogged by accusations of lack of transparency, slow service delivery, and poor governance structures, all of which have drawn criticism from citizens and institutions alike.

Dr. Mwangangi now faces a significant challenge — to rebuild trust in the system and prove that the Social Health Authority can serve the health needs of Kenyans efficiently and equitably. Her leadership will be closely scrutinized, not only by the public but also by professional unions and civil society groups eager to see the institution succeed where its predecessor failed.

Turning around the SHA will require strategic planning, engagement with stakeholders, and a deep understanding of the systemic issues that have plagued public health coverage in Kenya. However, with her background, experience, and a proven track record in managing health crises, there is cautious optimism that Dr. Mwangangi may be the right person to steer the authority toward meaningful reform. The coming months will be a test of both her leadership and the institutional willingness to transform Kenya’s health insurance landscape for the better.