Dr Mercy Mwangangi, the calm, composed voice that reassured Kenyans during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now at the helm of the country’s newest health agency.
The former Chief Administrative Secretary for Health has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA), a government body charged with driving Kenya’s universal health coverage (UHC) agenda.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced her appointment on Thursday, saying the decision followed a competitive recruitment process that shortlisted 12 candidates from a pool of 92 applicants.
“Dr Mwangangi has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership in health financing and policy,” said Duale in a statement. “Her experience makes her well-suited to steer SHA as it lays the foundation for sustainable and inclusive health access in Kenya.”
Until her appointment, Dr Mwangangi served as Senior Health Systems Director at Amref Health Africa, where she worked on strengthening primary healthcare systems across Africa. Before that, she played a central role in shaping public health policy as Health CAS under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
It was during that period—particularly at the height of the pandemic—that she became a household name. She fronted daily COVID-19 updates and helped coordinate the government’s response efforts, often speaking with clarity and calm during an uncertain time.
Speaking to The Standard shortly after her appointment, a senior Ministry of Health official described her as “grounded, strategic, and deeply committed to health equity.”
Mwangangi holds a master’s degree in health economics and policy from the University of Adelaide in Australia. She also has a background in medicine and is known among her peers for her sharp policy mind and collaborative approach.
She takes over from Robert Ingasira, who has served as SHA’s acting CEO since November 2024. Ingasira stepped in after Elijah Wachira was suspended over concerns linked to his performance and professional conduct. The Ministry of Health has not disclosed details of the internal probe, citing confidentiality protocols.
SHA was established under the Social Health Insurance Act, part of broader reforms to transition Kenya toward a publicly-funded model for health access. Its mandate includes managing contributions to the social health fund, contracting healthcare providers, and ensuring that all Kenyans—especially the vulnerable—can access affordable medical services.
Observers say Dr Mwangangi’s appointment signals the government’s seriousness about these reforms.
“Her appointment is a statement of intent,” said Dr Bernard Muia, a health systems expert. “She understands the policy terrain and has the trust of key stakeholders. But expectations are high. She will need to deliver.”
As she takes office, Dr Mwangangi is expected to outline her priorities in the coming weeks, likely focusing on operationalising the fund, finalising provider partnerships, and ensuring a smooth rollout of benefits to millions of Kenyans.
For now, she’s keeping her head down and getting to work.
“I’m honoured by the trust placed in me,” she said in a brief statement shared with reporters. “The task ahead is great—but so is our resolve to achieve a healthier, more just Kenya.”
