The Social Health Authority (SHA) board on Tuesday November 12 sent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elijah Wachira on compulsory leave to allow for investigations into his conduct and performance in his role.
At the same time, the SHA board appointed Financial Services Director Robert Ingasira as acting CEO.
This comes two months after Dr. Mohammed Abdi was appointed to replace Timothy Olweny as the SHA chairperson, as part of ongoing restructuring efforts within the organization.
A letter by SHA chairperson Dr Abdi Mohamed dated November 12, 2024, directed Wachira to proceed on leave immediately.
“This is to inform you of the resolution of the board to send you on compulsory leave effective immediately for a period of ninety (90) days to allow for further investigations into your professional conduct and performance as Acting Chief Executive Officer of Social Health Authority,” read part of the letter.
Meanwhile, Wachira would be entitled to all his current remuneration and benefits while on leave.
The Board noted that SHA has been committed to clearing pending bills since it was rolled out as its first assignment towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“As its first assignment towards UHC attainment, it has been critical to pursue the clearance of these pending bills as they also disburse claims on time to avoid payment backlogs. 50% of the 19 B pending bills have been cleared in just over one month, a historic fete since the advent of SHA.
“It therefore is a concern when the Acting CEO, Mr. Elijah Wachira takes actions that not only go against this effort but puts the delivery of health care services at risk despite the government’s best effort by diverting resources to a tune of 1.6 B earmarked for offsetting debt to public government facilities almost leading to paralysis of healthcare on account of pending bills,” the board stated.
In addition, Wachira was accused of mismanaging the transition from NHIF to SHA, as well as frustrating outstanding debt payments to health facilities.
However, Wachira has denied all accusations leveled against him. He was appointed NHIF CEO in October 2023.
