New leadership at SHA as investigations into former CEO, Elijah Wachira begin

KENYA — The Social Health Authority (SHA) has appointed Robert Ingasira as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following the decision to place the former CEO, Elijah Wachira, on mandatory leave.

This move comes as the SHA Board has called for a thorough investigation into Wachira’s actions and performance during his tenure.

In a statement, SHA Chairperson Dr. Abdi Mohamed confirmed that Wachira’s leave would last for 90 days to allow sufficient time for the investigation.

Dr. Mohamed also reassured the former CEO that he would continue to receive his full salary and benefits during this period.

“While on leave, you shall be entitled to all your current remuneration and benefits,” he stated.

As the investigation proceeds, Robert Ingasira, who previously served as the Acting Director of Financial Services at SHA, has been appointed to temporarily lead the organization.

Dr. Mohamed instructed Wachira to immediately hand over the CEO’s office to Ingasira, with the latter set to receive an acting allowance in line with SHA’s Human Resource Policies.

A formal letter from Dr. Mohamed to Ingasira confirmed the appointment, stating: “This is to inform you of the Resolution of the Board to appoint you as Acting Chief Executive Officer of SHA and NHIF effective immediately, pending the finalization of investigations.”

This leadership change comes amidst increasing criticism of Wachira’s management of the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA.

The shift, which officially began on October 1, 2024, has been plagued by significant delays in the disbursement of funds to healthcare providers.

These delays have created tension with healthcare stakeholders and disrupted essential health services across the country.

Reports from the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHAK) highlight the struggles healthcare providers have faced in adapting to SHA’s new system, especially with the implementation of a capitation model.

This model, aimed at simplifying payments, has been complicated by technical glitches, such as unresponsive billing systems and issues with the e-contracting portal.

These challenges have made it difficult for many providers to integrate effectively into the new system, leaving patients to pay out-of-pocket for services that were previously covered under NHIF.

As a result, there is growing frustration among healthcare providers, who have expressed concerns over the new payment structures.

This has led to a strained relationship between healthcare stakeholders and SHA, with many calling for swift solutions to the issues hindering the smooth operation of the new system.

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