Dr. Mercy Mwangangi has officially assumed her role as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA), following a successful vetting process by the National Assembly. She stepped into the position on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, taking over from Robert Ingasira, who had been serving in an acting capacity.
The handover ceremony, held in Nairobi, was presided over by Dr. Ouma Oluga, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Medical Services. In a statement confirming the leadership transition, the Ministry of Health praised Dr. Mwangangi’s credentials, expressing confidence in her ability to drive the SHA’s vision forward.
During the ceremony, Dr. Oluga urged the new SHA leadership to establish a strong operational framework focused on improving national health outcomes. He emphasized that ensuring access to quality healthcare and implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) must remain central to the agency’s mission.
He also called on the SHA and the broader Ministry of Health team to uphold a culture of discipline, hard work, and a commitment to excellence in public service.
“Dr Oluga urged the agency to provide a strong framework that advances improved health outcomes, including the right to health and universal health coverage,” the ministry noted.
Dr. Oluga further pledged full government support to SHA to ensure the effective rollout of UHC across the country.
Dr. Mwangangi’s appointment as SHA CEO was announced on April 11, 2025, by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. Her selection followed a rigorous recruitment process that saw 92 applicants compete for the role, with 12 advancing to the final interview stage.
A seasoned health policy and financing expert, Dr. Mwangangi brings over 15 years of experience to the position. She previously served as Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Ministry of Health, where she gained national recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond her government service, she held key leadership roles, including Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa and Chairperson of the Pumwani Hospital Board, a role she was appointed to by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja in 2023.
