The Social Health Authority (SHA) has appointed four senior directors to strengthen its leadership as it pushes to ensure all Kenyans have access to quality and affordable healthcare.
The appointments, announced in a press statement on Friday, come after a competitive and transparent recruitment process that began on July 29, 2025.
The new team includes Diana Marion as Director of Provider and Beneficiary Management, Golda Larissa Akolo as Director of Benefits and Claims Management, Mohamed Alio Ibrahim as Director of Corporate Services, and Jonathan Leisen as Director of Funds and Finance Management.
Board Chairperson Abdi Mohamed said the appointees bring vast experience and technical skills that will be vital in guiding the Authority toward its mandate of providing financial risk protection and expanding healthcare access nationwide.
“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,” Mohamed said. He also acknowledged staff for supporting the interim management team during the transition period.
Mohamed noted that the appointments mark a key milestone in consolidating the Authority’s reforms.
The SHA was established to oversee Kenya’s health financing reforms, pool resources efficiently, and provide financial protection for residents as part of the government’s universal health coverage (UHC) agenda.
The Authority’s creation has been central to President William Ruto’s administration, which has prioritized UHC.
However, the journey has faced challenges, including fragmented funding, corruption scandals under the former NHIF system, and rising treatment costs that have left millions of households financially vulnerable.
