Ex-CAS Mercy Mwangangi appointed SHA CEO

Former Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi has been appointed CEO of the Social Health Authority (SHA), becoming the first person to hold the position since the institution was established.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made the announcement on Friday, following the completion of a rigorous selection exercise that attracted 92 applicants.

Out of those, 12 candidates were shortlisted and interviewed before the final decision was made.

The Social Health Authority is a newly created body tasked with overseeing health financing reforms and guiding the country’s journey toward affordable and accessible healthcare for all.

The Ministry said the decision to appoint Mwangangi was based on her outstanding performance and deep understanding of Kenya’s healthcare needs.

"Dr. Mwangangi is poised to lead SHA into the next chapter," Duale said.

As she takes up her new role, the Ministry expressed full confidence in her ability to deliver on the Authority’s goals.

"We are confident that she has what it takes to steer SHA and deliver on the mandate of SHA," Duale said.

According to the Ministry, Mwangangi brings a wealth of experience in health policy and financing, having worked extensively in strengthening health systems, managing reforms, and advancing universal health coverage.

She is recognised for her leadership in building partnerships, mobilising resources, and influencing healthcare transformation in Kenya.

Prior to her appointment, Dr. Mwangangi served as the Senior Director for Health Systems Strengthening at AMREF Health Africa.

In that role, she led major programmes focused on boosting investment in health financing and expanding access to essential services across Africa.