Dr. Deborah Barasa, the Health Cabinet Secretary, has removed Linda Murugi Gebson from the Social Health Authority’s Board of Directors, which is mandated by the Social Health Insurance Act.
Gebson was appointed to the Board by former Health CS Wafula Nakhumicha for a three-year term, beginning on January 26, 2024.Six months after her appointment, CS Barasa has replaced her.
In her place, the CS appointed Gerald Macharia to serve for three years, beginning August 30, 2024.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7 (1) (f) of the Social Health Insurance Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Health appoints Gerald Macharia to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Social Health Authority, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 30th August, 2024. The appointment of Linda Murugi Gebson is revoked,” read the gazette notice.
Barasa’s first move to implement changes within the ministry comes less than three weeks after taking office.
She succeeded Nakhumicha at a time when the country’s healthcare system was under scrutiny.
One of the most significant challenges for the CS will be ensuring a successful transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which has yet to begin due to numerous legal hurdles.
The SHIF is one of President Ruto’s key legacy projects as he works to implement Universal Health Coverage.
The former CS used Community Health Promoters to move the agenda forward, but its long-term viability has been called into question.
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