KMPDU backs new SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, warns of health sector challenges

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has congratulated Dr. Mercy Mwangangi on her appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA), describing her ascension to the helm as both timely and critical.

Dr. Mwangangi, a seasoned public health expert, was selected from a pool of 92 applicants and was among 12 candidates shortlisted and interviewed for the position.

She previously served as Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) at the Ministry of Health and is currently the Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa.

In a statement issued by Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, the union hailed Dr. Mwangangi’s leadership, particularly her steady hand during the turbulent COVID-19 pandemic period, expressing optimism that she will bring the same energy and expertise to an institution currently under fire.

“We acknowledge your leadership in navigating the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Dr. Atellah.

“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.”

The doctors’ union boss added: “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.”

The Social Health Authority, established to replace the now-defunct NHIF, has had a rocky start. Accusations of opacity, inefficiencies in service delivery, and concerns over governance have kept the new outfit under constant public and institutional scrutiny.

Dr. Mwangangi now faces the colossal task of turning a wary public into believers — and a once-broken system into something that works.