The Social Health Authority (SHA) has appointed eight senior officials to strengthen claims management and accelerate benefits administration nationwide.
In a public announcement on December 18, 2025, SHA stated that the appointments include two Assistant Directors for Claims Management and six Principal Claims Management Officers, following a competitive recruitment process launched on July 29, 2025.
New SHA Leadership Appointments
The newly appointed Assistant Directors for Claims Management are Aggrey Achola and Zainab Dida Golicha.
They will oversee strategic planning and execution of claims management operations, ensuring compliance with established standards and accelerating service delivery.
Joining them are six Principal Claims Management Officers tasked with optimizing benefits administration and expediting claims processing.
The officers include Dorothy Wasike, Samson Oware Iliwa, Michelle Mwendwa Ngugu, Ida Dalima Randa, Catherine Mukui Kilonzo, and Mohamed Noor Mohamud.
SHA has described the appointments as very important for the institution, further stating that the individuals are all professionals capable of helping Kenyans.
“These professionals join SHA at a pivotal moment. Their collective expertise will be instrumental in optimizing our benefits administration and accelerating the processing of claims, directly supporting our mandate of providing financial risk protection to all Kenyans.”
In the statement, the SHA Board expressed gratitude to its staff for their steadfast commitment during the transition period.
“Your cooperation with the interim management team has been the bedrock of this successful transformation,” SHA concluded.
Why Claims Management Matters
Efficient claims management is one of the main functions of SHA.
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It ensures that healthcare providers are reimbursed promptly, reducing financial strain on hospitals and clinics.
For beneficiaries, it guarantees uninterrupted access to services without delays caused by payment disputes.
In Kenya’s social health framework, claims processing directly impacts trust and sustainability. Delays or inaccuracies can lead to service disruptions, increased out-of-pocket expenses, and eroded confidence in the system.
By strengthening this function, the Social Health Authority aims to improve turnaround times, curb fraud, and maintain transparency, which the SHA board has said are critical steps toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and protecting families from catastrophic health costs.
Progress in Social Health Insurance Transition
The government aims to complete migration from NHIF to SHA by mid-2026, with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as the ultimate goal by 2030.
Since its launch, enrolment has gradually increased, with more than 27 million Kenyans registered under the SHA, securing free primary healthcare coverage.
Coverage under the new framework is structured around three distinct funds: the Primary Healthcare Fund, which guarantees free services at Level 2 and 3 facilities; the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which supports inpatient and outpatient care at higher-level facilities; and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund.
All citizens previously enrolled in NHIF were automatically migrated to SHA membership, and ongoing updates and enrolments are part of ensuring full coverage under the new scheme.
Operational Work Continues
While the transition from NHIF to SHA has been legally concluded, operational alignment is still underway.
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The authority is finalising the verification and transfer of legacy assets and liabilities, integrating member and provider databases, and stabilising digital registration and claims systems.
Phased staff deployment following the absorption of former NHIF employees is ongoing, alongside targeted recruitment to address capacity gaps.
Accreditation of healthcare providers is ongoing nationwide to ensure facilities comply with updated benefit packages and reimbursement rules.
Officials say the measures are intended to clear claims backlogs, standardise turnaround times, and safeguard uninterrupted service delivery as enrolment under the Social Health Insurance framework expands.
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