Dr Mwangangi gained national prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she served as the Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS)
Dr Mercy Mwangangi has been officially appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA), making history as the first ever female to lead the institution formerly known as the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in its nearly 60-year legacy.
Her appointment follows a competitive selection process in which 12 candidates were shortlisted from an initial pool of 92 applicants.
The recruitment began after the suspension of former Acting CEO Elijah Wachira in November 2024, with Robert Ingasira holding the position in an acting capacity until interviews were concluded on April 7–8, 2025.
Dr Mwangangi, 39, gained national prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic when she served as the Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in Kenya’s Ministry of Health. She became a household name through her calm and knowledgeable presence in daily media briefings, which guided the nation through an unprecedented public health crisis. Her leadership, clarity, and empathy made her one of the most respected voices during the pandemic, not just in Kenya but across the region.
Before her appointment as SHA CEO, the alumnus of Pangani Girls in Nairobi served as the Director of Public Health Policy and Partnerships at Amref Health Africa, one of the continent’s leading public health NGOs. In this role, she led strategic engagements with governments, development partners, and multilateral agencies across Africa. Her portfolio at Amref included shaping health policy, strengthening public health systems, and advancing health equity through community-based approaches.
She previously worked as a technical advisor within the Ministry of Health
Her tenure at Amref deepened her experience in health system strengthening, strategic partnerships, and continental health policy, making her uniquely equipped to lead SHA in its mission to deliver accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to all Kenyans.
Dr Mwangangi holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Nairobi and a Master’s in Health Economics and Policy from the University of Adelaide in Australia. She previously worked as a technical advisor within the Ministry of Health, focusing on health financing and policy, and has also advised on health systems resilience within the African Union and other multilateral bodies.
The Social Health Authority officially commenced operations on October 1, 2024, replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) following the enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023. SHA was established as a state corporation mandated to manage public health insurance and accelerate Kenya’s journey toward universal health coverage.
With Dr Mwangangi at the helm, SHA is expected to transition from legacy challenges toward a more robust, equitable, and inclusive health financing model. Her blend of policy expertise, crisis leadership, and hands-on experience at both government and NGO levels positions her to drive the transformation Kenyans have long awaited.
Her appointment is not only a win for health sector reform but also a significant moment for gender representation in public service leadership.
