The Social Health Authority (SHA) has appointed 82 new principal officers across key departments in a move aimed at strengthening its managerial capacity and improving service delivery as the agency rolls out ongoing health reforms.
SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi announced the appointments on Saturday, December 13, saying the new officers will play a critical role in stabilising the Authority’s operations at a time of transition.
According to Mwangangi, the appointments followed a competitive and transparent recruitment process that began on July 29, 2025.
“SHA is pleased to announce the appointment of eighty-two new Principal Officers. These significant appointments follow a competitive and transparent recruitment process that began on July 29, 2025,” she said.
The newly appointed officers will be deployed across several strategic departments, including legal services, benefits management, supply chain management, planning and linkages, as well as registration and compliance at both county and national government levels.
SHA has also named principal officers in charge of fund management and finance, human resource management and development, and customer experience areas seen as critical to improving efficiency and public trust in the Authority.
Other appointments cover information and communication technology (ICT), corporate communication, internal audit, records management and administration.
A significant number of the appointees 47 in total were assigned to oversee claims management at the county level, a function that has previously faced operational challenges.
Mwangangi acknowledged the efforts of existing staff who have held the fort during the transition period, thanking them for their support as the Authority restructured its management.
“The Authority takes this opportunity to express its deep appreciation to the dedicated staff for their unwavering support and commitment to the interim staff throughout this critical transition period,” she said.
The appointments come against the backdrop of management gaps that had slowed operations at SHA and raised concerns about the sustainability of the new health insurance scheme. The Authority hopes the expanded leadership team will help stabilise systems and restore confidence in the reforms.
