ICPAK wants SHA recruitments probed after 'whistleblower' was dropped

ICPAK Chairperson CPA Prof. Elizabeth Kalunda Muvui and the Institute's Council speak during a presser at CPA Centre, Thika Road on October 1, 2025./HANDOUT

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) has called for an independent and impartial inquiry into the ongoing recruitments at the Social Health Authority (SHA).

ICPAK said it had noted from media reports that one of its members, who was a whistleblower in a corruption matter, has lost his job.

"The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) has noted media reports that CPA Andrew Kipkirui Rotich, Deputy Director of Forensic Audit & Risk Assurance, has lost his position at the Social Health Authority (SHA). This follows a court-ordered review of the recruitment process that initially appointed him and others on April 17, 2025. The story was prominently featured in the Daily Nation on 26th September 2025,” ICPAK chairperson Prof Elizabeth Kalunda said.

However, in a statement dated September 26, 2025, the Social Health Authority (SHA) assured the public that the ongoing recruitment exercise of new officers is transparent and in strict adherence to laid-down procedures to hire only the best.

"Recruitment is being conducted meticulously, transparently, and in strict adherence to the approved Human Resource & Career Guidelines, to ensure that suitably qualified candidates are selected to serve Kenyans," the SHA statement reads in part.

The hiring process commenced on July 29 when SHA advertised 64 employment slots, including five for directors, 15 for deputy directors and 16 for assistant directors.

The authority noted that the exercise is still ongoing and progressing as planned after a previous internal hiring process was nullified by the Employment and Labour Relations Court.

SHA emphasised that it remains focused on building a professional and accountable institution dedicated to delivering quality healthcare to all Kenyans.

"Our focus remains on building a professional and accountable institution dedicated to delivering quality healthcare for all Kenyans. We encourage members of the media to uphold accuracy and responsibility in their reporting to keep the public well-informed on this important national exercise. We appreciate the public’s patience and support as we build a strong and effective team to advance universal health coverage for all Kenyans."

Addressing a press conference at the CPA Centre in Nairobi earlier today, Prof Kalunda said CPA Rotich has been an ICPAK member since August 2012, and diligently served the nation from his early years at the defunct NHIF through the SHA.

“He was part of the audit team that revealed suspected irregularities in medical billing within Kenya’s public health system, findings that contributed to ongoing law enforcement and oversight interventions,” she said.

The ICPAK boss added that while recruitment processes are the prerogative of appointing authorities, the circumstances surrounding the non-inclusion of CPA Rotich and two other deputy directors in the latest shortlist raise issues of public interest.

“ICPAK’s concern is that if left unaddressed, such developments could inadvertently discourage professionals from speaking out on accountability matters,” Prof Kalunda said.

She added; “The Institute urges the Social Health Authority and the Ministry of Health to uphold fairness, justice, and due process in the case of CPA Rotich. We stress that this issue relates to an individual and the principle that professionals serving the public interest must be protected from vulnerability.”

It's calling for action, ICPAK demanded an independent inquiry and impartial review of the circumstances of recruitment outcomes, consistent with Article 47 of the Constitution on fair administrative action.

The body is also calling for protection of evidence and safeguarding all material evidence that auditors and whistleblowers provide in the SHA matter.

“We demand for safety of whistleblowers by ensuring security for CPA Rotich, his family, and other parties contributing to accountability efforts. ICPAK calls for the establishment of a National Whistleblower Policy and enactment of the Whistleblower Act, even as it firmly supports whistleblowers who use the established framework to report such misconduct, promoting ethical conduct within the profession.”

Prof Kalunda added, “This comprehensive approach strengthens ethical conduct within the profession by holding both county heads and our own members accountable if found guilty.”

ICPAK says accountants and auditors are uniquely positioned to identify potential procedures, laws, and policies breaches and that they bolster governance frameworks, enhance risk management, and ensure ethical and legal compliance in carrying out their roles. Their work is essential in safeguarding public resources and maintaining trust in institutions.

“The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) remains a key stakeholder in our governance and accountability journey. As part of our collaborative efforts to strengthen ethical leadership and financial integrity, we will head to EACC to formally submit our press statement and action points. This engagement emphasizes our shared commitment to transparency, institutional reform, and the protection of public trust,” Prof Kalunda added.