A fresh wave of controversy has hit the Social Health Authority (SHA) after the release of a shortlist of candidates for several positions triggered accusations of ethnic favouritism and political interference within the agency. Fresh controversy at the Social Health Authority as staff challenge a recruitment shortlist, citing ethnic bias and political interference in the agency.
The list, made public ahead of interviews set for November 28, 2025, has stirred unease among staff who say the recruitment exercise has been compromised by internal power battles.
Sources within the Dr. Mercy Mwangangi–led institution say tensions have grown over what some staff describe as a process influenced by “shadow-boxing wars and ethnic chauvinism.”
Several employees are now weighing legal steps to halt the exercise, while one person has already moved to court seeking immediate intervention. Data shared by insiders shows a distribution of shortlisted applicants that many staff find troubling.
The tally features 75 Kikuyus, 74 Kalenjins, 66 Kambas, 51 Somalis, 32 Luhyas, 31 Kisiis, 17 Luos, 10 Maasais, and eight Taitas.
Staff pushing back against the exercise claim this pattern casts doubt on how the list was compiled and whether the process reflects national diversity.
“This is embarrassing because it is not representative at all. It is politically motivated to achieve an agenda,” said one staff member familiar with internal discussions, calling for the recruitment to be paused until the process is reviewed.
SHA, chaired by Dr. Ali Mohamed and guided by an independent board, has lately come under public debate over its handling of key administrative issues.
Health sector players have also pointed to delayed remittances to hospitals and clinics, warning that these setbacks are already affecting routine operations.
The Authority has not issued a statement explaining the criteria used in the shortlisting or responding to claims of ethnic imbalance.
With internal pressure growing and legal action now in motion, the future of the recruitment exercise remains unclear as staff wait for official communication.