President William Ruto has appointed Dr. Mohammed Abdi as the new Social Health Authority (SHA) chairperson, effective September 17, 2024, for three years.

He replaces Dr. Timothy Olweny, who has held the position since November 2023.

Before his appointment, Dr Mohammed was a member of the Authority 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," a special gazette notice reads.

In the same notice, Olweny was appointed to serve for three years as chairperson of the National Cancer Institute's board.

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Health CS Deborah Barasa announced this and 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 seeks to roll out SHIF on October 1, 2024, replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).