Kalenjin, Somali communities dominate staffing at SHA

Kalenjin, Somali communities dominate staffing at SHA

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has come under scrutiny after a new report revealed that the Kalenjin and Somali communities hold the largest share of jobs at the agency, even as Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi maintained that the institution complies with the law on ethnic balance.

According to a report presented before the Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration, SHA employs a total of 564 staff.

The Kalenjin community accounts for the largest share with 100 employees (17.7%), followed by the Somali community with 79 staff (14%). The Kikuyu community ranks third with 68 employees (12.1%), while the Kamba community has 59 workers (10.5%).

The Luhya and Luo communities each have 44 employees (7.8%), with the Kisii community completing the top seven at 36 staff members (6.4%). The Meru community holds 20 positions (3.5%), bringing the top eight communities’ share to approximately 80% of the workforce.

Despite the concentration, Dr. Mwangangi told senators that the authority remains within legal requirements.

“The Authority is fully compliant with NCIA Section 7(2), ensuring that no single ethnic community holds more than 33.3% of the staff positions,” she said.

Among minority groups, the Borana community has 16 employees (2.8%), followed by Maasai with 13 (2.3%). Embu communities have seven employees each (1.2%), while Gabra and Mijikenda have six (1.1%). Turkana and Teso communities each account for five staff (0.9%).

Smaller representations include Tharaka and Taita (three each), Orma, Taveta, and Sakuye (two each), while Kuria, Nubian, Rendille, Galla, Ghosa, Leysan, and Makonde communities each have one employee.

To address disparities, Dr. Mwangangi said the authority is using ongoing recruitment to improve inclusion, particularly for marginalized groups.

She noted that during the latest hiring exercise, candidates from underrepresented communities were given priority, including waivers for groups with limited applicants such as Kenyan Asians, Hadado, and Makonde.

On gender balance, SHA reported near parity, with women making up 49.8% of staff and men 50.2%, meeting the constitutional one-third gender rule.

The agency also reported progress in disability inclusion, with 28 employees (5.22%) identified as persons living with disabilities.

In terms of age distribution, 33% of staff are aged between 41 and 50, while those under 35 account for 31%. Employees aged 36 to 40 make up 27%, and those between 51 and 60 represent 9%.

The authority further disclosed that six staff members are on contract, including top leadership such as the CEO and directors, who serve one-year renewable terms.

Additionally, SHA reported spending Sh62.9 million in the 2024/25 financial year to support procurement opportunities for youth, women, and persons with disabilities under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program, achieving a utilization rate of 16.9%.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi raised concerns over the ongoing recruitment by the Social Health Authority, warning that alleged irregularities, ethnic bias, and delays in absorbing former NHIF staff could undermine public confidence in the transition to universal health coverage.

Speaking in the Senate, Osotsi called for a comprehensive audit, increased transparency, and wider consultations with county governments.
He urged corrective measures to ensure the process complies with constitutional standards of fairness, inclusivity, and accountability.