Ex-CAS Mercy Mwangangi Appointed New SHA CEO

Former Health Chief Administrative Secretary, Dr. Mercy Mwangangi has been appointed CEO of the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The announcement was made by the Ministry by Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

Dr. Mwangangi, a seasoned health financing and policy expert, brings over 15 years of experience in universal health coverage (UHC), institutional reform, and health systems strengthening to her new role.

Currently serving as the Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa, Dr. Mwangangi has been instrumental in spearheading health financing and health security investments across the continent.

Her work has focused on securing development assistance funding for primary healthcare and expanding universal health coverage, initiatives that align closely with the SHA’s mandate.

Duale expressed confidence in Dr. Mwangangi’s ability to steer the SHA toward achieving its goals

“We are confident that she has what it takes to steer SHA and deliver on the mandate of SHA,” the statement read.

The Ministry also extended its congratulations to Dr. Mwangangi, wishing her success as she takes on the role of the first CEO of the Social Health Authority.

The appointment follows a rigorous and competitive recruitment process, which saw a total of 92 applicants vying for the position. Out of these, 12 candidates were shortlisted and interviewed before Dr. Mwangangi emerged as the top choice.

Under retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure, Mwangangi served as Health Chief Administrative Secretary.

She was part of the team that championed adaptation to the new normal that had been brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic under the leadership of then Health CS Mutahi Kagwe.

Social Health Authority replaced the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).