The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has lauded the appointment of Dr. Diana Marion as Director of Provider and Beneficiary Management at the Social Health Authority (SHA). The union described her appointment as a timely step toward strengthening Kenya’s health system and advancing universal health coverage.
According to KMPDU, the position is central to SHA’s mission of connecting healthcare providers and beneficiaries while ensuring efficiency, access, and financial protection. The union highlighted Dr. Marion’s wealth of leadership experience, noting her service in various capacities within professional associations and regional healthcare leadership. These roles have equipped her with the credibility and insight to deliver meaningful impact in her new position.
KMPDU further emphasized the importance of such appointments being guided by accountability and efficiency. It noted that strengthening leadership within SHA will play a critical role in reinforcing public trust in the authority’s mandate to oversee and manage Kenya’s health financing reforms.
Dr. Marion’s appointment comes alongside three others announced by the SHA Board to enhance its leadership structure. The new directors include Golda Larissa Akolo as Director of Benefits and Claims Management, Mohamed Alio Ibrahim as Director of Corporate Services, and Jonathan Leisen as Director of Funds and Finance Management. Together, the four leaders are expected to steer the institution toward delivering universal access to quality and affordable healthcare.
The SHA Board underscored that these appointments mark an important milestone in consolidating healthcare reforms. The expertise of the new directors will be crucial in ensuring that Kenyans can access quality medical services without suffering catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses.
The Social Health Authority was established to streamline health financing and pool resources more efficiently in pursuit of universal health coverage. Its mandate is to provide financial risk protection to all residents while bridging gaps in service delivery and improving access across the country.
With the leadership team now in place, SHA is positioned to accelerate reforms and deliver on its promise of expanding healthcare access. KMPDU has expressed confidence that Dr. Marion and her colleagues will play a pivotal role in driving forward the transformation of Kenya’s healthcare system.
