SHA acting CEO Elijah Wachira sent on compulsory leave as probe into his conduct starts
In a memo issued Tuesday, SHA Board Chairman Abdi Mohaned announced the decision, naming Robert Ingasira, the current Financial Services Director, as the Acting CEO in Wachira's absence.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) Board has sent acting CEO Elijah Wachira on a 90-day compulsory leave to allow further investigation into his professional conduct and performance.
In a memo issued Tuesday, SHA Board Chairman Abdi Mohaned announced the decision, naming Robert Ingasira, the current Financial Services Director, as the Acting CEO in Wachira's absence.
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"This is to inform you of the resolution of the board to send you on compulsory leave effective immediately for a period of 90 days to allow for further investigations into your professional conduct and performance as Acting Chief Executive officer of Social Health Authority," read the memo.
Abdi said that while on leave, Wachira will be entitled to all his current remuneration and benefits. The board partly attributed Wachira’s suspension to the challenges facing the SHA’s transition from the NHIF.
According to the minutes from Tuesday’s board meeting, the SHA leadership expressed concerns over rising unpaid bills, which have led hospitals to require cash payments from patients a situation the board says directly contradicts the SHA’s commitment to improving access to healthcare under Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“As its first assignment towards UHC attainment, it has been critical to pursue the clearance of these pending bills as they also disburse claims on time to avoid payment backlogs. Fifty percent of the Sh19 billion pending bills have been cleared in just over one month, a historic feat since the advent of SHA,” the meeting minutes read.
However, the board accused Wachira of diverting Sh1.6 billion intended for settling debts owed to public hospitals, reportedly prioritising payments to private facilities over public ones.
“It therefore comes as a concern when the Acting CEO, Elijah Wachira takes actions that not only go against this effort but put the delivery of healthcare services at risk despite the government’s best effort,” the board said.
The controversy surrounding Wachira marks the second major leadership shake-up at SHA since its establishment just two months ago.
The previous upheaval involved the removal of former board chairman Dr. Timothy Olweny shortly before SHA’s official launch.
Wachira was appointed NHIF CEO in October last year after a competitive selection process.
With a background as the former Managing Director of CIC General for four years, he is regarded as a seasoned professional in the insurance industry.
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