The Ministry of Health has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Mercy Mwangangi as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA).
In a statement on Friday, April 11, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Dr. Mwangangi, a renowned health financing and policy expert, brings over 15 years of experience in universal health coverage (UHC), institutional reform, and health systems strengthening.
The CS further said her proven leadership in health governance, strategic partnerships, and policy transformation places her at the forefront of Kenya’s evolving healthcare landscape.
“Dr. Mwangangi is poised to lead SHA into the next chapter. We are confident that she has what it takes to steer SHA and deliver on the mandate of SHA,” Duale said.
Before her appointment, Dr. Mwangangi served as the Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa. In this role, she led significant health financing and health security initiatives across the continent, including mobilizing development assistance for primary healthcare and universal coverage.
She was also the Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) during retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s second term.
Her selection comes after a highly competitive recruitment process that attracted 92 applicants. Of these, 12 candidates were shortlisted and interviewed.
Duale further congratulated Dr. Mwangangi, saying, “We wish her all the best as she becomes the first Chief Executive Officer for the Social Health Authority.”
Her appointment comes at a time when there have been concerns from Kenyans over the effectiveness of the new health scheme.
SHA replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) on December 1, 2024. Since then, there have been complaints from Kenyans about access to healthcare.
