Ruto Appoints New SHA Chairperson in Latest Changes
President William Ruto appointed Dr. Abdi Mohammed as the new head of the Social Health Authority (SHA) board.
The appointment, detailed in a Gazette Notice on Tuesday, September 17, names Abdi as the successor to Dr. Timothy Olweny, who had held the position since November last year.
Dr. Abdi will serve in this capacity for a three-year term.
Previously, Dr. Abdi chaired the Strategy and Operations Committee within the same board.
In related changes, Dr. Timothy Olweny has been reassigned to lead the National Cancer Institute as chairperson for three years.
The Social Health Authority was created following the enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act 2023, which President Ruto signed into law on October 19, 2023.
SHA took over the responsibilities of the dissolved National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), incorporating all its enhanced benefits and packages.
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Despite this, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) continues to face legal challenges. In July, the High Court ruled that the SHA’s formation was unconstitutional, posing a significant setback to the new health initiative.
The Ministry of Health managed to secure a stay order, allowing the SHIF to move forward with its implementation.
Under SHIF, employees in the formal sector must contribute 2.75% of their monthly salary to the fund.
Meanwhile, informal sector workers will be paid a fixed Ksh 500 per month.
Previously, NHIF contributions ranged between Ksh 1,400 and Ksh 1,700 based on income levels, with employers required to match the payments. Self-employed individuals were allowed to make voluntary contributions of Ksh 500.
Ruto Appoints New SHA Chairperson in Latest Changes
