Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced the appointment of Dr. Mercy Mwangangi as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Dr. Mwangangi, a respected public health expert, was selected from a competitive pool of 92 applicants and was among 12 candidates shortlisted for the position. She previously served as Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Health and currently holds the role of Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa.
At AMREF, Dr. Mwangangi has been instrumental in advancing health financing and security initiatives across Africa, with a particular focus on mobilizing development support for primary healthcare and expanding universal health coverage (UHC).
In a statement released on Friday, CS Duale emphasized Dr. Mwangangi’s extensive expertise in health policy, governance, and institutional reform as decisive factors in her selection.
“Dr. Mwangangi is a seasoned expert in health financing and policy, with more than 15 years of experience in UHC, institutional reform, and systems strengthening. Her leadership in governance, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships positions her well to lead the Social Health Authority into its next phase,” the statement read.
Duale expressed full confidence in her leadership, adding, “The Ministry congratulates Dr. Mwangangi on her appointment and wishes her success as she takes on this historic role as the first CEO of SHA. We are confident in her ability to deliver on SHA’s mandate.”
Other shortlisted candidates included former Acting SHA CEO Robert Ingasira, Kennedy Odhiambo Akello, Roberts Eloto Abok, Dr. Serem Kimutai Edward, Wario Boru Tore, Dr. Agrippina Njoki Fernandes, Abdullahi Sheikh Abdirahman, Dr. Musa Nyandusi Lwegado, Dr. Samson Kuhora Kairang’a, Dinah Jemelly Kirwa, and Kandie Ng’ochoch.
