Acting Social Health Authority (SHA) CEO Elijah Wachira has been sent on a 90-day compulsory leave.
Robert Ingasira, the current Financial Services Director, will take his place.
A letter by SHA Chairperson Dr Abdi Mohamed dated Tuesday, November 12, 2024, directed Wachira to proceed on leave immediately to allow for investigations into his professional conduct.
"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 the letter in part.
Mohamed added that 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) but Wachira’s actions went against its efforts.
“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,” said the board.
Wachira was further accused of bungling the transition from NHIF to SHA, as well as frustrating outstanding debt payments to health facilities.
He has since denied all accusations levelled against him and his next course of action remains to be seen.
His suspension comes just a month after SHA was rolled out in the country, with several Kenyans reporting challenges in accessing key services.
Wachira was appointed NHIF CEO in October 2023 and is a seasoned professional in the insurance sector.
