Aden Duale, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, has appointed Dr Mercy Mwangangi as the Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority. This announcement was made on Friday, April 11, in a statement released by the Ministry of Health. Dr Mwangangi, who previously served as the Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Health under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, brings with her nearly 15 years of experience in the health sector.
According to the Ministry, Dr Mwangangi is an expert in health financing, policy, and systems strengthening. She has been deeply involved in promoting universal health coverage, pushing for institutional reforms, and improving health governance across Kenya.
Her work has focused on resource mobilization and building strategic partnerships, and she has gained a strong reputation for leading important health sector transformations.
The Ministry believes that these qualities make her well suited to take on the role of leading the newly formed Social Health Authority.Currently, Dr Mwangangi works as the Senior Health System Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa.
In this position, she oversees efforts to improve health financing and health security not only in Kenya but across the African continent. Her wide experience in the field is seen as a major advantage in helping shape the future of Kenya’s health system.
The Ministry praised her appointment, saying that it is fully confident in her ability to lead the Social Health Authority. They also highlighted the fact that she is the first person to hold this new position, and they believe she will play a key role in building trust in the new authority and delivering on its mandate.
Her appointment came after a competitive hiring process. Out of 92 people who applied for the CEO job, 12 were shortlisted and interviewed. Dr Mwangangi emerged as the best candidate.
The Social Health Authority was formed to take over the roles of the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund. The goal of this new body is to make sure that all Kenyans can access quality healthcare, regardless of their income level.
The creation of SHA is part of Kenya’s bigger goal of achieving universal health coverage and improving the healthcare system so that it is more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable.
With her background and experience, Dr Mercy Mwangangi is now expected to guide the Social Health Authority through its early stages and help it grow into a strong institution that will support the health needs of millions of Kenyans.
