Accountants raise concerns after whistleblower loses job at SHA

Accountants have demanded an impartial probe into the Social Health Authority’s (SHA) recruitment exercise, citing concerns after one of its members and a whistleblower lost his job.

CPA Andrew Kipkirui Rotich, Deputy Director of Forensic Audit & Risk Assurance, reportedly lost his position following a court-ordered review of the recruitment process that initially appointed him in April 2025.

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) said the move raises serious questions over fairness and protection for professionals exposing irregularities.

Speaking at a press conference at the CPA Centre in Nairobi on Wednesday, ICPAK chairperson Prof Elizabeth Kalunda said Rotich has been an ICPAK member since August 2012 and has served the nation diligently, starting from his tenure at the defunct NHIF through to SHA.

“He was part of the audit team that revealed suspected irregularities in medical billing within Kenya’s public health system, findings that contributed to ongoing law enforcement and oversight interventions,” she said.

Kalunda noted that while recruitment is the prerogative of the appointing authority, the exclusion of Rotich and two other deputy directors in the latest shortlist raises issues of public interest.

“ICPAK’s concern is that if left unaddressed, such developments could inadvertently discourage professionals from speaking out on accountability matters,” she said.

She further urged SHA and the Ministry of Health to ensure fairness and due process in the case.

“The Institute urges the Social Health Authority and the Ministry of Health to uphold fairness, justice and due process in the case of CPA Rotich. We stress that this issue relates to an individual and the principle that professionals serving the public interest must be protected from vulnerability,” Kalunda said.

ICPAK called for an independent inquiry and impartial review of the recruitment outcomes in line with Article 47 of the Constitution on fair administrative action. The body also demanded the protection of all material evidence provided by auditors and whistleblowers.

“We demand for safety of whistleblowers by ensuring security for CPA Rotich, his family, and other parties contributing to accountability efforts. ICPAK calls for the establishment of a National Whistleblower Policy and enactment of the Whistleblower Act, even as it firmly supports whistleblowers who use the established framework to report such misconduct, promoting ethical conduct within the profession,” Kalunda added.

“This comprehensive approach strengthens ethical conduct within the profession by holding both county heads and our own members accountable if found guilty.”

ICPAK stressed that accountants and auditors play a critical role in governance and accountability, helping identify procedural and legal breaches, strengthening risk management and ensuring ethical compliance.

“Accountants and auditors are uniquely positioned to identify potential procedures, laws and policies breaches and they bolster governance frameworks, enhance risk management, and ensure ethical and legal compliance in carrying out their roles. Their work is essential in safeguarding public resources and maintaining trust in institutions,” Kalunda said.

The institute revealed that it will formally engage the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to reinforce accountability.

Other Topics To Read

• Health
• Social Health Authority
• Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) scheme
• Whistleblower Protection Bill 2024
• Whistleblowers
• SHA fraud
• Accountants raise concerns after whistleblower loses job at SHA
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“The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) remains a key stakeholder in our governance and accountability journey. As part of our collaborative efforts to strengthen ethical leadership and financial integrity, we will head to EACC to formally submit our press statement and action points. This engagement emphasises our shared commitment to transparency, institutional reform and the protection of public trust,” she said.

SHA had issued a statement on September 26, defending the recruitment process, saying “it is being conducted meticulously, transparently and in strict adherence to the approved Human Resource & Career Guidelines, to ensure that suitably qualified candidates are selected to serve Kenyans.”

The authority said the recruitment, which started on July 29 with 64 advertised positions, including five director posts, 15 deputy directors, and 16 assistant directors, is proceeding as planned following a previous court nullification.

“Our focus remains on building a professional and accountable institution dedicated to delivering quality healthcare for all Kenyans. We encourage members of the media to uphold accuracy and responsibility in their reporting to keep the public well-informed on this important national exercise,” it said.

“We appreciate the public’s patience and support as we build a strong and effective team to advance universal health coverage for all Kenyans.”