Former Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Mercy Mukui Mwangangi and acting Social Health Authority (SHA) CEO Robert Mbarani Ingasira are among 12 candidates shortlisted for the SHA Chief Executive Officer position.
According to a memo issued by the SHA board chairperson, Abdi Mohamed, interviews for the job that is increasingly becoming a hot seat are set to take place at the SHA headquarters during the first week of next month.
Mwangangi, who played a pivotal role in Kenya’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, is among the familiar faces on the list. The other, Ingasira, who has been steering the SHA since the departure of the former CEO, is also a strong contender.
The former CEO left the position due to personal reasons and a desire to pursue other opportunities.
The shortlisted candidates for the April 7 interviews include Kennedy Odhiambo Akello, Roberts Eloto Abok, Dr. Serem Kimutai Edward, and Wario Boru Tore. Akello, a seasoned public health expert, has been instrumental in various health initiatives across the country.
Abok, hailing from Turkana County, brings a unique perspective on healthcare delivery in arid and semi-arid regions. Serem is a respected medical practitioner from Uasin Gishu and has a strong background in clinical medicine and healthcare management.
Tore, on the other hand, has been a vocal advocate for improved healthcare access in marginalised communities.
According to the notice, the others on the list are Dr. Agrippina Njoki Fernandes, Abdullahi Sheikh Abdirahman, Dr. Musa Nyandusi Lwegado, Dr. Samson Kuhora Kairang'a, Dinah Jemelly Kirwa, and Kandie Ng'ochoch.
Dr. Fernandes has a track record in health policy and administration. Abdirahman, from Wajir, has been a key figure in addressing healthcare challenges in the northeastern region. Dr. Lwegado, from Uasin Gishu, is renowned for his contributions to medical research and education.
Dr. Kairang'a, from Nakuru, has extensive experience in public health management, while Kirwa, from Nandi, is a rising star in health advocacy, and Ng'ochoch, also from Nakuru, has a strong background in health systems strengthening.
SHA has mandated that all shortlisted candidates present original documents, including their national identity cards, academic and professional certificates, and valid clearances from institutions such as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Additionally, candidates with degrees from foreign universities must provide letters of recognition from the Commission for University Education (CUE).
In a move to ensure transparency, the SHA has invited members of the public to submit any adverse information regarding the shortlisted candidates to the chairperson, the Social Health Authority Board, by April 4 at 5pm. This information can be submitted either physically at the SHA headquarters or via email.
The interviews are scheduled to take place between April 7 and 8.
