SHA Denies Sacking Andrew Rotich, Says he Still on the Job

Social Health Authority (SHA) Headquaters in Nairobi/ HANDOUT

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has denied reports that Andrew Kipkurui Rotich lost his job following his exposure of massive fraud in the healthcare system, terming the claims as inaccurate and misleading.

In a statement issued Wednesday evening, SHA Board Chairperson Abdi Mohamed said Rotich remains a public servant deployed to the Authority under transitional arrangements and currently holds the position of Senior Officer.

“Rotich has not lost his job. Rotich remains an employee of the public service deployed to the SHA, currently holding the position of Senior Officer. His current temporary deployment and tenure are protected under the transitional arrangements,” Mohamed clarified.

The response follows concern raised by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Kenya, which had questioned Rotich’s absence from the shortlist for senior audit positions in the Authority.

The professional bodies called for an independent inquiry into the recruitment process, citing fears of victimisation.

Mohamed said Rotich was not locked out but had simply not applied for the position of Deputy Director, Internal Audit, in the ongoing recruitment.

A file image of SHA Board Chairperson Abdi Mohamed/ PHOTO/ COURTESY

“SHA Recruitment Portal records confirm that Rotich did not apply for the position of Deputy Director, Internal Audit in this exercise. He submitted only one application for this tier, specifically for the position of Assistant Director, Internal Audit. Neither did he submit a physical application for any position,” he said.

According to SHA, the recruitment exercise was triggered by a ruling of the Employment and Labour Relations Court on May 29, 2025, which nullified earlier internal appointments, including Rotich’s previous posting as Deputy Director.

The court found the internal advertisement unlawful and ordered fresh, open, and competitive recruitment.

“The positions offered in this recruitment, including Rotich’s appointment as Deputy Director, were nullified by the 29th May 2025 court order,” Mohamed explained, adding that Rotich had not filed any formal appeal to contest his exclusion from the Deputy Director shortlist.

He stressed that all shortlisted candidates are members of ICPAK and/or IIA, as required for the position, and assured the public that SHA follows a merit-based, transparent process.

“Ultimately, the Board can only consider and shortlist individuals who have expressed willingness by formally applying for the advertised position. The Authority cannot force any qualified individual to apply,” Mohamed noted.

SHA also said Rotich continues to play a central role in the Authority’s anti-fraud drive, serving in the audit team that uses artificial intelligence and big data tools to detect fraudulent claims by health facilities and individuals.