Dr. Mercy Mwangangi Explains SHA’s Biggest Hurdle

Social Health Authority (SHA) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi has assured Kenyans that the new healthcare system is up and running, even as she acknowledged challenges in its implementation.

In an interview with Citizen TV, Dr. Mwangangi dismissed claims that SHA was failing, stressing that the system itself is solid. The real challenge, she said, lies in how quickly service providers are adapting to it.

“The SHA system is okay. The challenge we have is a user problem. Our providers are having difficulties in embracing the system and some have even requested for capacity training; we have heard those cries,” she explained.

She noted that the authority is already working on capacity-building programs to help providers adjust and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

Dr. Mwangangi further described SHA as a “game changer” in healthcare financing, pointing out that it has tightened loopholes that once allowed fraudulent claims and delayed payments.

“No claim can be paid without going through proper adjudication and certification by the Finance department,” she said, adding that the checks are designed to protect public resources and guarantee that funds are used for genuine medical services.

While acknowledging that the transition may not be smooth, she urged patience, saying the long-term benefits of the system would outweigh the initial hurdles.

SHA was created under the government’s universal health coverage plan. It manages health financing and oversees the three key funds set up to ensure accountability, efficiency, and sustainable healthcare for all Kenyans.