NAIROBI, Kenya — The Social Health Authority (SHA) has appointed four senior directors as part of a leadership shake-up aimed at fast-tracking universal health coverage (UHC) and strengthening Kenya’s healthcare financing system.
The board on Friday announced that the appointments followed a competitive recruitment process launched on July 29, 2025.
The new directors are:
- Diana Marion – Director, Provider and Beneficiary Management
- Golda Larissa Akolo – Director, Benefits and Claims Management
- Mohamed Alio Ibrahim – Director, Corporate Services
- Jonathan Leisen – Director, Funds and Finance Management
‘Milestone in reforms’
Board Chairperson Abdi Mohamed said the four bring “extensive experience and technical expertise” that will be crucial in steering the Authority’s mandate of protecting Kenyans from catastrophic healthcare costs.
“Their expertise will be crucial in ensuring that every Kenyan resident has access to quality healthcare without the burden of catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses,” Mohamed said, adding that the changes mark “an important milestone in consolidating reforms” at the Authority.
He also thanked staff for their support during the transition period under interim management.
Health financing overhaul
The SHA was created to replace the scandal-ridden National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and to align resources more effectively towards UHC, one of President William Ruto’s flagship policy promises.
Its mandate includes pooling funds, ensuring equitable access to essential services, and protecting households from financial hardship caused by medical bills.
Kenya’s healthcare sector has long struggled with fragmented funding, rising treatment costs, and mismanagement scandals that eroded public trust in the NHIF.
With the new leadership team in place, the Authority is expected to accelerate the rollout of systems and structures to deliver on Ruto’s UHC pledge.
