Ruto appoints Dr Mohammed Abdi as Chairperson of Social Health Authority

In a Special Gazette Notice, the president explained that Dr Mohammed's appointment, which is set for three years, would take effect immediately. 

Initially, Dr Mohammed served in the Authority as a member, tasked with implementing the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to provide Universal Health Coverage. 

"The President of the Republic of Kenya and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Mohammed Abdi Mohammed (Dr.) to be the Chairperson of the Social Health Authority, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 17th September 2024," the notice read in part. 

In the same notice, former SHA chairperson Olweny was appointed to serve as chairperson of the Board of the National Cancer Institute for three years. 

This was announced by Health CS Deborah Barasa who revoked the appointment of Amref Health Africa Group CEO, Dr. Githinji Gitahi. 

Dr Gitahi has been serving as the Board's chairperson for two years. 

"The Cabinet Secretary for Health appoints Timothy Olweny to be the Chairperson of the Board of the National Cancer Institute, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 17th September, 2024. The appointment* of Gitahi Githinji (Dr.) is revoked," the notice read in part. 

The appointment comes as the government is seeking to rollout SHIF on October 1, 2024, replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

The deadline for the mandatory registration is set at September 30, 2024.