Dr Mercy Mwangangi has officially assumed office as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Social Health Authority (SHA), becoming the first woman to hold the position. She takes over from Dr Robert Ingasira, who had been serving in an acting capacity.
The official handover ceremony was presided over by Dr Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services in the Ministry of Health.
Dr Mwangangi was appointed to the role on April 11, 2025, by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale following a competitive recruitment process that saw 92 applicants express interest. Of these, 12 were shortlisted and interviewed.
The SHA, a state corporation established under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, officially replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in October 2024. It is tasked with managing public health insurance and steering the country toward achieving universal health coverage (UHC).
Dr Mwangangi holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree from the University of Nairobi and a Master’s degree in Health Economics and Policy from the University of Adelaide, Australia.
