Social Health Authority Shuts Regional Offices in Major Restructuring Drive

Nairobi, Kenya – The Social Health Authority (SHA) has shut down all its regional and sub-county offices, ordering staff to report to county headquarters or its national head office in Nairobi’s Upper Hill.

Sources familiar with the changes told reporters that the move is part of a sweeping restructuring meant to streamline operations inherited from the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and cut administrative costs. The closure has left hundreds of employees in limbo as they await reassignment to new roles.

Streamlining for Universal Health Coverage

In an internal memo, SHA Chief Executive Dr. Mercy Mwangangi said consolidating services is essential to ensure that Kenya’s universal health coverage (UHC) agenda is efficient and sustainable.

The authority explained that by centralising administrative functions, it expects to improve efficiency, reduce duplication, and accelerate the digitisation of health services. Nairobi now hosts the only fully operational SHA office, while county headquarters will remain the first point of contact for client services.

Policy Alignment and Concerns

Health policy experts say the consolidation is in line with Kenya’s strategy to expand access to primary healthcarewithout creating new bureaucratic structures. They argue that a centralised system could enhance oversight and resource allocation while making digital enrolment and claims processing more seamless.

Critics, however, caution that abruptly moving staff without clear reassignment plans risks disrupting essential services in the short term. “Patients may experience delays in processing claims or accessing support while the new structure takes shape,” one healthcare analyst observed.

From NHIF to SHA: A Transition in Progress

The restructuring follows the establishment of SHA in 2023, which replaced the NHIF as Kenya’s main health insurance provider under new legislation. The transition has involved organizational reforms, digital upgrades, and legal changes designed to guarantee UHC.

Government officials say they hope to fully roll out the reformed system nationwide by the end of 2025, ensuring that every Kenyan has access to affordable healthcare.

The Bigger Picture

The closure of regional offices underscores Kenya’s push to modernise public health administration by leveraging technology and reducing overhead costs. Yet the pace and scale of the transition raise questions about whether frontline services can keep up during the adjustment period.

For now, SHA insists the reforms are necessary to build a leaner, more responsive system that prioritises service delivery over bureaucracy.