National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has announced the appointment of Elijah Wachira as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) replacing Samson Kuhora who served in an acting capacity since April this year.
In a statement sent to Kenyans.co.ke, NHIF Board chair Michael Kamau also appointed six directors including Hazel Koitaba who serves as the Director of Beneficiary and provider management, Ibrahim Mohamed (Director Corporate Services) and Patriken Ole Sankei (Director of Internal Audit).
Catherine Mungania will now serve as the Director of Legal Services while Robert Ingasira will take up the role of Director of Financial Services.
Martin Ayoo will also serve as the Information and Communication Technology Director.
According to Board Chair Kamau, the new appointments followed a competitive and open recruitment process, which began with an advertisement on June 27, 2023.
"The new management team brings onboard invaluable wealth of experience that will immensely contribute to the transition of the Fund into its successor," read part of the statement.
"I thank all staff for their dedication and support accorded to the acting CEO and Senior Management during the interim period."
The new NHIF boss will now serve for a three-year term with the possibility of a one-year extension at the end of the period.
On the other hand, the directors will each serve a five-year term and can be retained by the board at the end of their contract based on their performance.
The changes come as the government split NHIF into three; Primary Healthcare Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund and Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund to enhance Universal Health Coverage.
Under the current NHIF model, Kenyans voluntarily contributed to the Fund, which saw many Kenyans miss out on the insurance coverage.
However, with the new model, all Kenyans will contribute to the Social Insurance Fund.
