Dr. Mercy Mwangangi takes helm at SHA, vows reforms and transparency

Mwangangi assured of transparency that provides clear visibility of the premiums

by CAMILLA AKETCH

News03 June 2025 - 20:30

In Summary

Mercy Mwangangi said they are still in discussion with the government to ensure there is proper allocation of healthcare services.
Also in attendance was the Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga who urged to provide a strong framework that advances improves health outcomes.

Dr. Mercy Mwangangi has officially assumed her new role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Mwangangi is taking over from Dr. Robert Ingasira, who had been serving in an acting capacity.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Dr. Mwangangi laid out her priorities for SHA, vowing to rebuild public trust through greater transparency and accountability.

She emphasized the need to provide clear visibility on how premiums paid by Kenyans are allocated, how much is paid to healthcare providers, and, crucially, the health outcomes the SHA aims to achieve.

“We must show Kenyans exactly how their contributions to SHA translate into improved health services,” Dr. Mwangangi said.

“This includes sharing a comprehensive performance report that details the health outcomes we are pursuing.”

A key focus area, she noted, is strengthening primary healthcare services.

She said SHA is currently in discussions with the government to ensure these services are properly funded and allocated, a move she believes will bolster the country’s broader health system.

Dr. Mwangangi also pledged to improve communication with Kenyans about the entitlements available through SHA, acknowledging that many people are unaware of the benefits they can access.

“Engagement with Kenyans is critical,” she said. “We must listen to their concerns and address the perception that their voices have been ignored.”

Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga, who attended the ceremony, urged SHA to establish a robust framework that advances the right to health and accelerates the journey towards universal health coverage.

Dr. Mwangangi’s appointment comes at a time when SHA has faced a series of operational challenges, including system downtimes, delays in processing claims, and funding shortfalls.

Low contribution rates have further strained the system, with only a fraction of contributors actively making payments.

For many Kenyans, Dr. Mwangangi’s promises of transparency and accountability offer a glimmer of hope that SHA can overcome these longstanding issues and better serve its members.