The Social Health Authority (SHA) has officially announced the appointment of CPA Pariken Ole Sankei as its new Director of Internal Audit.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, October 29, SHA board chair Abdi Mohamed confirmed that the appointment followed a rigorous and transparent recruitment process that began on July 29, 2025.
“The Social Health Authority (SHA) Board is delighted to confirm the appointment of CPA Pariken Ole Sankei as the new Director of Internal Audit. This appointment comes after a thorough, open, and competitive selection process that started on July 29, 2025,” read part of the official statement.
Before this appointment, Sankei had been serving as the Acting Director of Internal Audit, a position he has held with distinction.
He now officially takes over the office in a permanent capacity. With over two decades of professional experience, Sankei brings extensive expertise in financial auditing, governance, and public sector accountability.
Throughout his career, he has served in several key government institutions, including the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), where he was Head of Internal Audit, the Public Service Commission (PSC), and the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).
His strong background in these organizations has made him well-versed in managing internal controls, detecting financial irregularities, and enhancing transparency in public finance management.
Sankei holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Administration. In addition, he is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Public Secretary (CPS), qualifications that reflect his deep understanding of corporate governance and financial oversight.
Board Chair Abdi Mohamed expressed confidence in Sankei’s leadership, saying his vast experience will play a crucial role in advancing SHA’s mission.
“His deep knowledge and vast experience will be essential as he joins the senior management team to guide the Authority in fulfilling its mandate of ensuring financial protection and strategic purchasing of healthcare services for all Kenyans,” Mohamed said.
Sankei’s appointment comes shortly after a controversy surrounding another SHA employee, Andrew Rotich, who was reportedly excluded from a shortlist for the position of Deputy Director of Forensic Audit and Risk Assurance.
Reports indicated that Rotich, who was serving in an acting capacity, was left out of consideration allegedly because he had exposed a multi-billion-shilling fraud within the Authority.
The whistleblowing incident reportedly led to the closure of 1,300 hospitals accused of engaging in fraudulent billing.
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) later raised concerns over the issue, saying that punishing professionals who expose corruption could discourage future whistleblowers.
The organization urged the relevant authorities to ensure fairness and protect ethical auditors who act in the public interest.
However, the Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, Dennis Itumbi, dismissed the allegations, calling them false and misleading. In a sharp rebuttal to the Daily Nation, which first published the story, Itumbi clarified that Rotich’s situation was misrepresented.
“Andrew Rotich never applied for the Deputy Director position, as wrongly claimed by the Nation. He applied for the role of Assistant Director and has already been shortlisted for interviews. The Nation likes to call itself the ‘Home of Truth,’ but it’s often full of falsehoods. Truth only appears there once in a while, while lies dominate,” Itumbi said.
The developments at SHA come at a critical time as the Authority continues to restructure and strengthen its internal governance systems to ensure efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the delivery of health services to Kenyans.
Sankei’s appointment is therefore seen as a step toward rebuilding confidence and enhancing oversight within the organization’s operations.
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