SHA Appoints Four New Directors to Strengthen Kenya’s Health Financing System

 

The Social Health Authority (SHA) headquarters in Nairobi. 

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has announced the appointment of four new directors following a competitive recruitment process, marking a major step in strengthening Kenya’s healthcare financing reforms.

The recruitment, which began on July 29, 2025, was aimed at filling key leadership positions to enhance efficiency, accountability, and delivery of quality services under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework.

In the new appointments:

• Dr. Diana Marion takes over as Director of Provider and Beneficiary Management, tasked with streamlining relationships between healthcare providers and beneficiaries.

• Golda Larissa Akolo assumes the role of Director of Benefits and Claims Management, where she will oversee claims processing and ensure fairness in service provision.

• Mohamed Alio Ibrahim has been appointed Director of Corporate Services, charged with strengthening administrative and operational structures.

• Jonathan Leisen joins as Director of Funds and Finance Management, responsible for safeguarding and managing SHA’s financial resources.

SHA Board Chair Abdi Mohamed said the appointments reflect the Authority’s commitment to professionalism and transparency in health sector governance. He thanked staff who supported the interim senior management team during the transition, noting that the new leadership will accelerate the Authority’s mandate of providing financial risk protection and improving access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans.

The appointments come at a critical time when SHA is rolling out reforms to replace the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), aligning with the government’s vision to make healthcare affordable and accessible to every Kenyan household.

With the new directors now in place, the Authority is expected to fast-track the implementation of innovative health financing models, build confidence among stakeholders, and deliver on the promise of universal healthcare.
Reporting by: Babz Abdul Raheem N.
Date: September 13, 2025