KMPDU hails Dr Diana Marion’s appointment as SHA director

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) led by Secretary General Davji Atellah at a past press conference/FILE

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has hailed the appointment of Dr Diana Marion as Director of Provider and Beneficiary Management at the Social Health Authority (SHA).

In a statement on Saturday, KMPDU described Dr. Marion’s appointment as a deliberate and timely step toward strengthening the country’s health system.

The union said the position is central to SHA’s mission of bridging providers and beneficiaries while advancing efficiency, access, and financial protection.

KMPDU Secretary General, Dr. Davji Atellah, noted Dr. Marion’s track record of leadership, citing her service as KMPDU South Rift Branch Deputy Chair, Lake Basin representative, and Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Association.

“These experiences have equipped you with the insight and credibility to deliver meaningful impact in this new role,” he said.

The union also commended Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, for refining frameworks that support the Ministry and strengthen healthcare provision across the country.

“As KMPDU, we welcome appointments guided by efficiency and accountability, because they are key to reinforcing public trust in SHA,” Atellah added.

This comes after the SHA Board announced the appointment of four senior directors to strengthen its leadership as it embarks on delivering universal access to quality and affordable healthcare for all Kenyans.

The new team comprises Diana Marion, who takes over as Director of Provider and Beneficiary Management, Golda Larissa Akolo, Director of Benefits and Claims Management, Mohamed Alio Ibrahim, Director of Corporate Services and Jonathan Leisen, Director of Funds and Finance Management.

“Their expertise will be crucial in ensuring that every Kenyan resident has access to quality healthcare without the burden of catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses,” SHA Board Chairperson Abdi Mohamed said.

Mohamed noted that the new appointments mark an important milestone in consolidating the Authority’s reforms.

The Social Health Authority was established to oversee and manage Kenya’s health financing reforms, aligning resources toward achieving universal health coverage (UHC).

It is mandated to provide financial risk protection for Kenyan residents and to streamline access to healthcare by pooling resources more efficiently.