NAIROBI, Kenya – The Social Health Authority (SHA) has announced the promotion and redeployment of 24 officers in a management shake-up that has sparked concern among staff and questions over the legality of the move.
In a decision communicated Wednesday evening, SHA Chairperson Dr. Abdi Mohamed issued a letter to all staff, citing a “realignment” of directors and deputy directors to match the Authority’s strategic priorities and newly approved organizational structure.
However, critics within the organization argue that the changes were abrupt and bypassed due process.
Insiders claim that junior officers have been fast-tracked into management positions, effectively overseeing their more senior colleagues, whose future now hangs in the balance.
“It’s a mess,” said a disgruntled SHA staff member who was not among those promoted, adding that some appointments appear to disregard established protocols.
The Constitution, together with the Public Service Commission Act and PSC Regulations (2020), mandates the Public Service Commission (PSC) to oversee human resource processes across public agencies, including state corporations like SHA.
The PSC has previously emphasized strict adherence to protocols for staff transitions, particularly for those previously under the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), who were employed on permanent and pensionable terms.
“There’s a likelihood that PSC requirements were overlooked in this latest restructuring,” noted one insider familiar with the matter.
The shake-up, which leaves Acting CEO Robert Ingasira at the helm, has also introduced new faces from Afya House into senior roles overseeing critical functions, including Benefits and Claims Management, Human Resource and Administration, and ICT.
Changes were also made in Finance and Accounts, Corporate Communication, Legal Services, and Standards and Quality Assurance, among other departments.
While the SHA Board frames the changes as necessary for achieving its strategic priorities, the move has stirred discontent among staff and raised questions over transparency, merit, and governance.
Observers suggest the PSC may scrutinize the process, which could further complicate SHA’s ongoing transition and organizational restructuring.
In a decision communicated Wednesday evening, SHA Chairperson Dr. Abdi Mohamed issued a letter to all staff, citing a “realignment” of directors and deputy directors to match the Authority’s strategic priorities and newly approved organizational structure.
However, critics within the organization argue that the changes were abrupt and bypassed due process.
Insiders claim that junior officers have been fast-tracked into management positions, effectively overseeing their more senior colleagues, whose future now hangs in the balance.
“It’s a mess,” said a disgruntled SHA staff member who was not among those promoted, adding that some appointments appear to disregard established protocols.
The Constitution, together with the Public Service Commission Act and PSC Regulations (2020), mandates the Public Service Commission (PSC) to oversee human resource processes across public agencies, including state corporations like SHA.
The PSC has previously emphasized strict adherence to protocols for staff transitions, particularly for those previously under the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), who were employed on permanent and pensionable terms.
“There’s a likelihood that PSC requirements were overlooked in this latest restructuring,” noted one insider familiar with the matter.
The shake-up, which leaves Acting CEO Robert Ingasira at the helm, has also introduced new faces from Afya House into senior roles overseeing critical functions, including Benefits and Claims Management, Human Resource and Administration, and ICT.
Changes were also made in Finance and Accounts, Corporate Communication, Legal Services, and Standards and Quality Assurance, among other departments.
While the SHA Board frames the changes as necessary for achieving its strategic priorities, the move has stirred discontent among staff and raised questions over transparency, merit, and governance.
Observers suggest the PSC may scrutinize the process, which could further complicate SHA’s ongoing transition and organizational restructuring.
