Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, the former Health Chief Administrative Secretary, has been named the Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The appointment was announced yesterday by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to announce the appointment of Dr. Mercy Mwangangi as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority,” Duale stated.
Her selection comes after the Ministry of Health finalized a competitive recruitment process.
She was one of 12 candidates who had been shortlisted for the position.
Currently, Dr. Mwangangi is the Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa. In that capacity, she has led health financing and security initiatives across the continent, helping to mobilize development aid to bolster primary healthcare and expand universal coverage.
“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 of SHA.”
With more than 15 years of expertise in universal health coverage (UHC), institutional reforms, and strengthening health systems, Dr. Mwangangi has established herself as a seasoned leader in governance, resource mobilization, and forming strategic alliances in the health sector.
During the administration of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, she was the Health Chief Administrative Secretary.
She played a key role in managing the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the guidance of then Health CS Mutahi Kagwe.
The Social Health Authority was created to replace the now defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Although its rollout has faced various challenges, the government maintains that it is the most suitable model to achieve universal health coverage for all Kenyans.
By Joseph Mambili
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