In a move that has sparked confusion and disquiet, Kenya’s newly formed Social Health Authority (SHA) has shut down all its regional and sub-county offices including seven in Nairobi leaving many staff without clear roles or workplaces.
The closed offices, inherited from the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), once provided regional support and access. But now only the Upper Hill office in Nairobi remains open.
Staff speak of uncertainty, frustration
One insider told The Standard, “Some staff report to county offices, but we do not have designated roles. That is why the majority just stay at home”.
Another source lamented the daily ordeal for those whose branches were not at county headquarters. “For example, someone who was working in Naivasha is now forced to travel to Nakuru every day. Unfortunately, you travel, then just hang around the offices doing nothing”.
In fact, some employees have informal agreements with managers: they are told only to report when specifically needed.
Yet another staff member speculated that the reorganization may be intentional: “The changes are meant to frustrate staff and make them either resign or to indirectly force them to move to public service”.
Official explanation: Cost-cutting and streamlining
In a memo dated 29 July 2025, SHA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mercy Mwangangi, defended the closures as part of a broader restructuring effort. “This structural change aims to improve efficiency, reduce administrative costs, centralize operations and other long-term benefits including digitization of process,” she wrote.
Managers were also instructed to secure all branch assets and prepare for handover.
Meanwhile, SHA emphasizes its commitment to overseas treatments. The agency continues to provide specialized care abroad, where local services fall short. Such care is allowed under the Social Health Insurance Act (2023) and associated regulations; the annual cap is KSh 500,000 per person for treatment unavailable in Kenya.
The Ministry of Health has stated that SHA is aligning with legal provisions and has begun contracting accredited overseas facilities. They must also demonstrate links to local partners and obtain pre-authorization before patient referrals.
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