Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, a seasoned health policy expert and former Health Chief Administrative Secretary, has been appointed as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA). The announcement was made on Friday by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, following the conclusion of a competitive recruitment process that saw 12 candidates shortlisted for the role.
Dr. Mwangangi currently serves as the Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa. In her role, she has led significant health financing and health security initiatives across Africa, helping secure development assistance for primary healthcare and advancing universal health coverage (UHC) programs.
“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,” said CS Duale. “We are confident that she has what it takes to steer SHA and deliver on its mandate.”
Dr. Mwangangi brings over 15 years of experience in health systems strengthening, institutional reform, and UHC policy. Her appointment marks a critical milestone for the SHA, which was established to replace the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) as part of the government’s strategy to revamp Kenya’s healthcare financing.
She previously served in the Ministry of Health during the tenure of President Uhuru Kenyatta, playing a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic as a key member of the health leadership team under then Health CS Mutahi Kagwe. Her leadership was instrumental in guiding the country through the pandemic’s challenges and adapting to the “new normal.”
The SHA has faced implementation hurdles since its inception, but the government maintains that it offers a more robust model for achieving UHC for all Kenyans. As CEO, Dr. Mwangangi is expected to lead efforts to streamline operations, build trust with stakeholders, and deliver quality and affordable healthcare services to citizens.
Her appointment signals renewed commitment by the Ministry of Health to strengthen governance and accountability in health financing as Kenya continues to push towards equitable healthcare access for all.
