Social Health Authority CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi has revealed that the agency processes an average of 26,000 health claims daily, attributing the achievement to digital transformation that has significantly reduced its workforce.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, during the second day of the Kenya Health Summit at KICC Nairobi, Mwangangi detailed the operational changes that have revolutionised claims processing at the authority.
She disclosed that SHA inherited an organisation with close to 1,737 workers, but through technology, the establishment now has 815 health workers.
“Your excellency, we inherited an organisation that had close to 1,737 workers. Today, our establishment has 815 health workers who work at SHA and your excellency, just because of that technology, we’ve been able to half our workforce,” Mwangangi said.
Claims management office operates with 35 staff
The CEO further explained that despite the reduced staff numbers, the agency has managed to increase its claims processing capacity significantly.
She noted that SHA receives about 26,000 claims in any single 24-hour period, representing Kenyans who have walked in and out of health facilities across the country.
Mwangangi highlighted the efficiency of the SHA claims management office, which operates with just 35 people.
“Because of the system and the digital components that I’ve just described, the SHA claims management office that has 35 people, 35 people, they’re able to go through 26,000 claims in a day,” she stated.
Digital transformation driving efficiency
The revelations come as the government continues to push for digitisation of health services under the Social Health Insurance Fund, which replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund.
Mwangangi’s remarks underscore the role of technology in streamlining operations and reducing operational costs while maintaining service delivery.
The SHA boss also emphasised that the digital system has enhanced transparency and accountability in claims processing, ensuring that Kenyans receive timely healthcare services.
The Kenya Health Summit, which brought together health stakeholders from across the country, provided a platform for discussing innovations and challenges in the health sector.
Mwangangi’s address highlighted the progress made in reforming health financing and service delivery, with technology playing a central role in the transformation agenda.
