The Social Health Authority (SHA) has appointed CPA Pariken Ole Sankei as the new Director of Internal Audit, marking a significant step in strengthening financial oversight and accountability within Kenya’s health sector.
This announcement, made on Wednesday, marks a pivotal step in strengthening the institution’s financial accountability and governance, as it continues its mission to implement the Social Health Insurance framework.
Sankei, a highly experienced auditor with more than 20 years in the field, brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. His career spans leadership positions in key organizations such as the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), and the Public Service Commission (PSC), giving him a unique perspective on both public and private sector operations. The appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process that began on July 29, 2025, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection.
A statement from SHA emphasized the confidence the board has in Sankei’s ability to drive the Authority’s financial management and oversight functions. "CPA Ole Sankei is a seasoned professional Internal Auditor, bringing over twenty years of vast experience from both the public and private sectors," the statement read.
"His wealth of experience will be vital as he joins the senior leadership team in steering the Authority’s mandate of providing financial protection and strategic purchasing of healthcare services for all Kenyans."
Before officially taking on this new role, Sankei served as the Acting Director of Internal Audit at SHA, a position he will now transition from. His leadership in critical audit functions at NHIF, PSC, and KEMSA has provided him with the expertise needed to guide SHA’s mission of enhancing healthcare governance in Kenya.
His qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Administration, and certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Public Secretary (CPS). Sankei is also a member of professional bodies including the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
Abdi Mohamed, the Chairperson of the SHA Board, praised the appointment, calling it "timely and strategic." Mohamed noted that it aligned with the Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve its internal financial controls and governance structures.
"The Board extends its profound gratitude to the entire staff for their unwavering dedication and support provided to the interim senior management team during the transition period," he said.
In his new role, Sankei will be responsible for overseeing the internal audit functions at SHA. His responsibilities will include ensuring compliance with financial policies, detecting and preventing misuse of funds, and upholding the institution’s integrity.
Sankei’s extensive background in auditing across various sectors is expected to play a key role in bolstering SHA’s internal controls, which are crucial for protecting public resources and maintaining transparency in Kenya’s evolving health financing system.
The SHA highlighted that Sankei’s leadership will be pivotal in advancing the Authority’s efforts to maintain accountability and sound financial management as part of the broader health reforms. “His leadership will be instrumental in guiding SHA’s mission of promoting accountability and prudent financial management in the implementation of health reforms,” the statement concluded.
With this appointment, SHA continues to build a robust leadership team as part of ongoing reforms to Kenya’s healthcare financing system, ensuring that quality healthcare remains accessible to all Kenyans through a financially stable and transparent system.
