Acting SHA CEO Elijah Wachira Suspended
This decision was reached by the SHA Board, which will allow for investigations into his professional conduct and performance in the role.
Marvin Chege 
Acting Social Health Authority (SHA) CEO Elijah Wachira has been sent on 90-day compulsory leave, effective immediately.
This decision was reached by the SHA Board, which will allow for investigations into his professional conduct and performance in the role.
The Board had cited the need for a thorough inquiry into the CEO's actions during his tenure.
A photo of the Social Health Authority (SHA) headquarters in Nairobi. /SOCIAL HEALTH AUTHORITY
"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," a letter addressed to Wachira, penned by SHA Chairperson Dr Abdi Mohamed on Tuesday, November 12 reads in part, adding "While on leave, you shall be entitled to all your current remuneration and benefits."
Robert Ingasira, who served as SHA's Acting Director, Financial Services, has been named the Acting CEO in Wachira's absence. In another letter addressed to Ingasira, Mohamed highlighted that the Acting CEO will be entitled to an acting allowance in accordance with the applicable laws, the Human Resource Policies, and the Procedures Manual.
"This is to inform you of the Resolution of the Board to appoint you as Acting Chief Executive Officer SHA and NHIF effective immediately pending the finalization of investigations of the Ag. Chief Executive Officer, SHA and Chief Executive Officer NHIF," the letter reads in part.
According to the minutes from Tuesday’s board meeting, the SHA leadership expressed concerns over rising unpaid bills, which have led hospitals to require cash payments from patients a situation the board stated directly contradicts the SHA’s commitment to improving access to healthcare under Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“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 per cent of the Ksh19 billion pending bills have been cleared in just over one month, a historic feat since the advent of SHA,” the meeting minutes read.
However, the board accused Wachira of diverting Ksh1.6 billion intended for settling debts owed to public hospitals, reportedly prioritising payments to private facilities over public ones.
“It therefore comes as a concern when the Acting CEO, Elijah Wachira takes actions that not only go against this effort but put the delivery of healthcare services at risk despite the government’s best effort,” the board admitted.
Wachira had previously served as CEO of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) which eventually gave way to SHA.
NHIF Board Chair Michael Kamau announced Wachira's appointment in a statement on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Ingasira also served as Director of Financial Services at NHIF.
The latest change, as well as the controversy surrounding Wachira, marks the second major leadership shake-up at SHA since its establishment just two months ago.
The previous upheaval involved the removal of former board chairman Dr Timothy Olweny shortly before SHA’s official launch.
