SHA Makes 4 Top Appointments
The changes signal a major milestone as the Authority strengthens its leadership to drive healthcare reforms across the country.
Marvin Chege 
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has unveiled a new senior management team following the appointment of four directors after what it described as a competitive and transparent recruitment process.
The changes, announced on Friday, September 12, in a statement, signal a major milestone as the Authority strengthens its leadership to drive healthcare reforms across the country.
The new appointees are Dr. Diana Marion, who will serve as Director of Provider and Beneficiary Management. Marion is currently the Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Association (KMA).
Further, Golda Larissa Akolo will serve as Director of Benefits and Claims Management. Mohamed Alio Ibrahim will serve as Director of Corporate Services, and Jonathan Leisen will serve as Director of Funds and Finance Management.
A photo of the Social Health Authority (SHA) headquarters in Nairobi. /NTV
SHA Board Chairperson Dr. Abdi Mohamed said the four bring a wealth of invaluable experience that will be crucial in steering the Authority to fulfil its mandate of providing financial risk protection and improving access to quality healthcare for Kenyans.
“This team’s expertise will be crucial in ensuring Kenyan residents gain quality healthcare through sustainable financial protection,” Dr. Mohamed stated, further expressing gratitude to staff members who supported the interim management team during the transition period, praising their dedication and commitment.
The appointments followed a rigorous process in which the Board reviewed more than 400 applications, eventually narrowing the pool to 38 shortlisted candidates.
The announcement coincided with SHA’s rollout of 500 job vacancies across multiple departments. Some of the advertised roles require only a minimum of KCSE Grade D, with the Authority encouraging Kenyans to submit applications before the October 2, 2025, deadline. All positions are offered on permanent and pensionable terms.
A significant share of the openings is concentrated in county and Huduma Centre operations, including 47 Principal Registration and Compliance/Claims Management Officers, 183 Senior Registration and Compliance/Claims Management Officers, 99 Senior Registration and Compliance Officers, and 96 Senior Claims Management Officers.
Additional vacancies were also announced in finance, human resources, administration, legal, ICT, customer experience, planning, supply chain management, and internal audit, signalling a broad expansion of SHA’s workforce.
The recent appointments come at a decisive time for the Social Health Authority, which is at the heart of implementing universal health coverage reforms under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
With the new leadership in place, there is heightened expectation that the Authority will accelerate reforms in claims processing, corporate services, and financial oversight while ensuring Kenyans benefit from efficient and accessible healthcare services.
