The Ministry of Health has announced the appointment of Dr Mercy Mwangangi as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Social Health Authority SHA.

In a statement on Friday, April 11, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale termed Mwangangi’s experience in the health sector as necessary in delivering SHA’s mandate in the country.

Her appointment follows the conclusion of a competitive recruitment process which saw a total of 92 applicants, out of which 12 candidates were shortlisted and interviewed.

“Dr Mwangangi, a health financing and policy expert with over 15 years of experience in universal health coverage (UHC), institutional reform, and health systems strengthening, a proven leader in health governance, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships, with an exceptional track record of driving policy transformation and financing reforms in Kenya’s healthcare landscape is poised to lead SHA into the next chapter,” Duale stated.

Mwangangi is currently the Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa where she has been spearheading health financing and health security investments across Africa, securing development assistance funding for primary healthcare and universal coverage expansion.

“The Ministry congratulates Dr Mwangangi on her appointment and wishes her all the best as she becomes the first Chief Executive Officer for the Social Health Authority. We are confident that she has what it takes to steer SHA and deliver on the mandate of SHA,” Duale added.