The Social Health Authority (SHA) has officially appointed CPA Pariken Ole Sankei as its new Director of Internal Audit, following a competitive recruitment process that began on July 29, 2025.
In a statement released on Wednesday, SHA Board Chair Abdi Mohamed confirmed the appointment, noting that the process was transparent and merit-based.
“The Social Health Authority Board is pleased to announce the appointment of CPA Pariken Ole Sankei as the new Director of Internal Audit. This key appointment follows a competitive and transparent recruitment process that began on July 29,” the statement read in part.
Sankei, who had been serving in an acting capacity, will now formally assume the position. He brings with him over two decades of experience in auditing and financial management across key public institutions.
He previously held senior roles at the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), the Public Service Commission (PSC), and the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).
Holding a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Administration, Sankei is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Public Secretary (CPS).
“His wealth of experience will be vital as he joins the senior leadership team to strengthen the Authority’s oversight and ensure financial accountability as SHA continues to deliver affordable healthcare to all Kenyans,” Mohamed added.
Sankei’s appointment comes amid heightened scrutiny at SHA following reports that Andrew Rotich, the acting Deputy Director of Forensic Audit and Risk Assurance, was allegedly excluded from a shortlist of candidates for another top position.
Reports had suggested that Rotich’s omission was linked to his role in exposing a multi-billion-shilling fraud scheme that led to the closure of over 1,300 hospitals implicated in fraudulent billing.
However, Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, dismissed the reports as misleading, accusing Daily Nation of misreporting the facts.
“Andrew Rotich never applied for Deputy Director as alleged. He applied for Assistant Director and was shortlisted for interviews. The Nation claims to be the ‘Home of Truth’ but continues to peddle lies,” Itumbi said in a post defending the recruitment process.
The appointment of Sankei is expected to boost confidence in SHA’s financial governance as it transitions from the former NHIF framework to a more accountable and transparent system.