In a significant development within Kenya’s healthcare sector, the Social Health Authority (SHA) has announced that Mr. E.G. Wachira, the Acting Chief Executive Officer, has been placed on a 90-day compulsory leave to facilitate investigations into his professional conduct and performance. During this period, Mr. Wachira will continue to receive his current remuneration and benefits. Mr. Robert Ingasira has been appointed as the Acting CEO in his absence.
The Social Health Authority was officially launched on October 1, 2024, marking a pivotal step in Kenya’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This new entity replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), aiming to provide standardized access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans. The transition was overseen by a Transition Committee inaugurated by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha on January 30, 2024.
Mr. Elijah Wachira was appointed as the CEO of NHIF in October 2023, succeeding Dr. Peter Kamunyo. His appointment was part of a broader strategy to reform Kenya’s health insurance landscape and facilitate the transition to the SHA.
Under his leadership, the SHA aimed to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability for all Kenyans.
With Mr. Wachira on compulsory leave, Mr. Robert Ingasira has been appointed as the Acting CEO of the SHA. Mr. Ingasira previously served as the Director of Financial Services at NHIF, bringing a wealth of experience in healthcare financing to his new role.
The leadership change at the SHA comes at a critical time as Kenya continues to implement its UHC agenda. The SHA’s mandate includes managing the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which replaced the NHIF. The SHIF aims to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to all Kenyans, with contributions set at 2.75% of monthly income.
The public has expressed mixed reactions to the leadership changes at the SHA. Some stakeholders are concerned about potential disruptions in the rollout of UHC initiatives, while others view the investigations as a necessary step to ensure transparency and accountability within the organization.
As the SHA navigates this transitional period, the focus remains on maintaining the momentum towards achieving UHC and ensuring that all Kenyans have access to quality healthcare services.
