Mwangangi served as the Health CAS in former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. Photo: MoH. Source: Twitter
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union (KMPDU) has congratulated Mercy Mwangangi on her appointment as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In a heartfelt statement issued on Friday, April 11, the doctors’ union did not mince words about the state of the health scheme, reminding her of the daunting task ahead.
KMPDU described the SHA as a system plagued by public complaints and eroded trust, and one that urgently needs bold leadership.
“Congratulations, Mercy Mwangangi, on your appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA). You are stepping into office to find a desk full of complaints from millions of Kenyans and a trail of uninspiring stories about the scheme; alongside multiple petitions from workers’ rights groups, including that of KMPDU,” said Davji Bhimji Atellah, KMPDU’s secretary general.
Despite the criticism, KMPDU expressed confidence in Mwangangi’s ability to turn things around, pointing to her leadership during one of the nation’s darkest moments.
“We acknowledge your leadership in navigating the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both as consumers of the service and as a watchdog, we are confident that you will apply the same depth of expertise and commitment to establish SHA as a people-centred, transparent, and accountable public health cover,” added the doctors’ union.
Duale cited Mwangangi’s impressive track record in health financing, universal health coverage, and institutional reform. “Mwangangi, a health financing and policy expert with over 15 years of experience in universal health coverage (UHC) and a proven leader in health governance, resource mobilisation, and strategic partnerships, with an exceptional track record of driving policy transformation and financing reforms in Kenya’s healthcare landscape,” the ministry stated.
Prior to the appointment, Mwangangi worked at Amref Health Africa as the Senior Director for Health Systems Strengthening. There, she was responsible for enhancing health security investments and securing funding for primary healthcare across the continent. Mwangangi’s selection followed a competitive recruitment process that saw 92 applicants fight for the role.
