Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has revealed his role in the dismissal of ex-Acting Social Health Authority (SHA) CEO Elijah Wachira.
While speaking to journalists on November 15, Atwoli disclosed that his role as COTU boss and subsequent position on the SHA board made him one of the decision-makers in the ouster of Wachira.
“I represent workers on the SHA board. This Tuesday I was part of those people who made changes by showing the acting CEO the way out,” he disclosed.
Wachira was this week sent on a 90-day compulsory leave by the SHA board. Robert Ingasira, the Financial Services Director, was picked to 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.
The Board noted that SHA had 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 Ksh 19B 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 put the delivery of health care services at risk despite the government’s best effort by diverting resources to a tune of Ksh 1.6B earmarked for offsetting debt to public government facilities almost leading to paralysis of healthcare on account of pending bills,” noted the board.
Wachira was further accused of bungling the transition from NHIF to SHA, as well as frustrating outstanding debt payments to health facilities.
Atwoli further called for patience from Kenyans as the government aims to fully transition citizens into the new health funding model.
“Kenyans must give the authority (SHA) some time to put its house in an effective manner of providing essential services to Kenyans. As we continue putting things in line, we need the support of Kenyans,” he asserted.
