MTRH CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa and SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi Hold Strategic Talks to Boost Universal Health Coverage

By Wasike Elvis 

 In a significant step toward strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system, Dr. Philip Kirwa, Chief Executive Officer of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), paid a courtesy call today on Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA), in a meeting that underscored renewed commitment to collaboration and shared goals in expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare under Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The meeting brought together two leaders at the forefront of health service delivery and health financing reforms. Dr. Kirwa, who heads one of Kenya’s largest referral hospitals, and Dr. Mwangangi, who leads the agency tasked with administering public health insurance and driving UHC implementation, discussed how their institutions can further align efforts to improve health outcomes for all Kenyans.

At the heart of the discussion was the need to strengthen collaboration between MTRH and SHA to streamline patient access, enhance service delivery, and support policy reforms that ensure more Kenyans benefit from essential health services without financial hardship. This aligns with national reforms under SHA, which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) as the principal driver of Kenya’s UHC aspirations.

Dr. Mwangangi, appointed earlier this year to lead SHA, emphasized the importance of partnership with key health facilities like MTRH to translate policy into practice on the ground. The Social Health Authority’s mandate includes accreditation of health facilities, reducing out-of-pocket costs, and improving access to services across the health sector. 

Dr. Kirwa highlighted the critical role that MTRH plays in delivering specialized and general health services, serving millions of patients annually and advancing national health goals. He noted that robust cooperation with SHA can help address operational bottlenecks and enhance patient experience at referral facilities, ensuring that SHA-supported benefits reach those in need. 

The leaders also reviewed ongoing reforms in the health sector, including initiatives to improve health financing, service accreditation, and efficiencies in healthcare payments under SHA — all integral to achieving quality care for all Kenyans. Their discussions reflect a broader government agenda focused on realizing UHC through innovative partnerships and systematic reforms. 

The courtesy call marks a renewed spirit of collaboration between a major referral hospital and the nation’s principal health insurer, signaling a strengthened push toward equitable health access, improved health outcomes, and sustained progress toward Universal Health Coverage in Kenya.