The Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Deborah Barasa has appointed Dr. Timothy Olweny as chairperson of the National Cancer Institute's board for three years.

In a special gazette notice, he replaces Amref Health Africa Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Githinji Gitahi, who has served 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.

In the same notice, President William Ruto has appointed Dr. Mohammed Abdi as the new Social Health Authority 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.

The appointment comes as the government seeks to roll out SHIF on October 1, 2024, replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

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