The Ministry of Health has officially named Dr. Mercy Mwangangi as the first-ever Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA).

With over 15 years of frontline experience, Dr. Mwangangi is no stranger to big challenges.

She’s carved out a reputation as a champion of universal health coverage, a master strategist in health financing, and a trailblazer in policy reform.

Dr. Mwangangi is a trail blazer

Her fingerprints are already on some of Kenya’s most impactful health initiatives, and now, she’s poised to lead SHA into a future defined by innovation, inclusion, and resilience.

Before this appointment, Dr. Mwangangi served as the Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at AMREF Health Africa.

There, she led critical investments in health security, helped secure major funding for primary healthcare, and drove efforts to expand access to universal coverage across the continent.

Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh vision, foster game-changing partnerships, and ignite new energy in the push to transform Kenya’s health systems.

The Ministry expressed full confidence in her ability to deliver on SHA’s ambitious mandate.

And congratulated her on making history as its first CEO.

This appointment follows a rigorous and competitive selection process, with 92 applicants throwing their hats in the ring.

12 standout candidates were shortlisted and interviewed.

But it was Dr. Mwangangi’s deep expertise, dynamic leadership, and clear vision that set her apart.

With Dr. Mwangangi now at the helm,

SHA is set to become a driving force in delivering affordable, accessible, and people-centered healthcare for every Kenyan.