- SHA Chairperson Dr Abdi Mohamed sent a letter to all staff outlining the temporary re-alignment of Directors and Deputy Directors to align with SHA’s approved organizational structure and strategic priorities. The letter emphasized that the appointments were temporary, pending competitive recruitment for the substantive positions. However, this has not reassured critics, who argue that it creates a temporary leadership vacuum and operational instability
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has undertaken a controversial management shake-up, generating significant criticism and concern both internally and externally. This move involves the promotion of junior officers to senior positions, placing them in roles where they are managing their former superiors. These developments have raised serious concerns about the legality, transparency, and integrity of the process.
Recent decisions have seen several junior officers appointed to senior roles, including directors and heads of departments. This has led to complaints from disgruntled staff who feel that due process has been ignored. These promotions have bypassed established protocols, raising concerns that governance structures are being undermined.
Article 234 of the Constitution, along with the Public Service Commission Act and the Public Service Commission Regulations, mandates the Public Service Commission to oversee human resource functions for State Corporations and Public Universities. However, SHA’s recent decisions have raised doubts about whether these legal frameworks were adhered to. On December 11, 2024, SHA Chairperson Dr. Abdi Mohamed sent a letter to all staff outlining the temporary re-alignment of Directors and Deputy Directors to align with SHA’s approved organizational structure and strategic priorities. The letter emphasized that the appointments were temporary, pending competitive recruitment for the substantive positions. However, this has not reassured critics, who argue that it creates a temporary leadership vacuum and operational instability.
Insiders within SHA have voiced concerns, pointing out that promoting junior officers to senior roles is problematic. One disgruntled staff member stated, “Junior officers managing their seniors creates a mess. It’s not just about incompetence; it’s about ignoring the rules.” This sentiment reflects widespread discontent among employees who believe seniority and experience should guide promotions.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) issued a directive on November 21, 2024, stating that NHIF staff would automatically have their permanent and pensionable engagements end. Despite this directive, SHA’s recent appointments appear to have disregarded these regulations. A letter from PSC CEO Paul Famba highlighted concerns regarding SHA’s temporary deployments and their compliance with the Social Health Insurance Act.
SHA’s approach to temporary deployments has been criticized, especially since it seems to sidestep PSC’s oversight. These interim appointments are justified as part of a transition, but critics argue that they undermine accountability and create uncertainty for staff in substantive roles.
SHA has appointed new senior officials, including Acting CEO Robert Ingasira and directors like Dr. Tracy John (Benefits and Claims Management), Ibrahim Alio (Human Resource and Administration), Terry Rotich (Company Secretary), and others. These appointments, critics contend, underscore SHA’s disregard for established procedures.
The ongoing management re-alignment at SHA has sparked controversy, raising concerns about adherence to legal standards and governance principles. While SHA justifies the changes as temporary and necessary for improved service delivery, critics remain unconvinced, calling for greater transparency and accountability in future appointments. The involvement of the Public Service Commission and ongoing national scrutiny will likely play a significant role in addressing these concerns.
