The Kenya Medical, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has lauded the appointment of Diana Marion as Director of Provider and Beneficiary Management at the Social Health Authority (SHA), terming it a timely boost to Kenya’s health sector reforms.

In a statement on Saturday, KMPDU described the role as central to SHA’s mandate of linking healthcare providers and beneficiaries while ensuring efficiency, equity, and financial protection.

KMPDU Secretary General, Davji Atellah, praised Dr Marion’s leadership record, noting her service as South Rift Branch Deputy Chair, Lake Basin representative, and Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Association.

“These experiences have equipped you with the insight and credibility to deliver meaningful impact in this new role,” said Dr Atellah.

The union also commended Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale for streamlining frameworks that enhance accountability and strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.

“As KMPDU, we welcome appointments guided by efficiency and accountability, because they are key to reinforcing public trust in SHA,” Atellah added.

Dr Marion’s appointment was among four senior leadership positions announced this week as the SHA Board moved to strengthen its management team.

Others include Golda Larissa Akolo (Director of Benefits and Claims Management), Mohamed Alio Ibrahim (Director of Corporate Services), and Jonathan Leisen (Director of Funds and Finance Management).

SHA Board Chairperson Abdi Mohamed said the new team will play a critical role in accelerating reforms and ensuring every Kenyan can access quality healthcare without suffering catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses.

“Their expertise will be crucial in ensuring that every Kenyan resident has access to quality healthcare,” Mohamed said, adding that the appointments marked “an important milestone” in consolidating the Authority’s reforms.

The SHA was established to oversee and manage Kenya’s health financing reforms as part of the push toward universal health coverage (UHC), with a mandate to pool resources and provide financial risk protection for all residents.