The Social Health Authority (SHA) has moved to clear the air over recent media reports and statements by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Kenya regarding the employment status of Mr. Andrew Kipurui Rotich and the integrity of its staff recruitment process.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has dismissed reports suggesting that Mr. Andrew Kipurui Rotich was fired, insisting that he remains part of the institution. In a statement, SHA clarified: “Mr. Rotich has not lost his job. Mr. Rotich remains an employee of the public service deployed to the Social Health Authority, currently holding the position of senior officer. His current temporary deployment and tenure are protected under the transitional agreements.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, SHA emphasized that it is committed to transparency, due process, and upholding the highest standards of governance, citing both the Social Health Insurance Act 2023 and binding court orders guiding its recruitment.
Court Order Resets Recruitment
The Authority noted that the Employment and Labour Relations Court ruling delivered on May 29, 2025, in ELRC Petition No. E078 of 2025, Said Omar Abdile vs Social Health Authority and three others, nullified all previous appointments made pursuant to initial internal advertisements. The Court compelled SHA to restart recruitment of all positions, including deputy directors, through an open, fair, and competitive process.
“The Court order was explicit in quashing the earlier recruitment exercise,” said Dr. Abdi Mohamed, Chairman of SHA. “This meant that all appointments made then, including Mr. Rotich’s, stood nullified. We are legally bound to restart the process afresh.”
Clarification on Mr. Rotich’s Application
According to SHA, Mr. Rotich was initially successful in the first recruitment process, where he was appointed Deputy Director, Internal Audit. However, his appointment was among those nullified by the Court.
In the subsequent recruitment exercise, advertised following the Court order and which closed on August 19, 2025, records show that Mr. Rotich did not apply for the Deputy Director position. Instead, he only submitted an application for Assistant Director, Internal Audit, and did not lodge any physical applications for other roles.
“The Board cannot consider individuals who have not formally applied,” explained Dr. Mohamed. “Mr. Rotich did not apply for the Deputy Director position during the second exercise, and he has not lodged any formal appeal challenging this outcome.”
Integrity and Professional Requirements
SHA reiterated that the recruitment process is rigorous, anchored in integrity and accountability. All shortlisted candidates for the Deputy Director, Internal Audit position are current members of either ICPAK or IIA, which SHA described as a core requirement for the role.
“We have ensured that only candidates meeting the professional membership criteria were considered,” said Dr. Mohamed. “This is particularly crucial for oversight roles such as internal audit, which safeguard accountability in the management of public funds.”
Anti-Fraud Measures
The Authority also highlighted its use of a digital system built on artificial intelligence and a big data fraud engine to detect and combat medical fraud. Evidence gathered through this system has been submitted to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for prosecution of fraudulent healthcare facilities and individuals.
“The Internal Audit Function is central to our fight against fraud,” noted Dr. Mohamed. “We will continue strengthening this role with competent and qualified professionals.”
SHA stressed its commitment to a transparent and fair process, adding that it cannot compel any qualified individual to apply but will always give equal opportunity to those who do.
