The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) has called for an independent inquiry into ongoing recruitments at the Social Health Authority (SHA), after reports that one of its members, who had exposed suspected fraud, lost his job.

In a statement, ICPAK chairperson Prof Elizabeth Kalunda said the removal of CPA Andrew Kipkirui Rotich, a whistleblower and former Deputy Director of Forensic Audit and Risk Assurance, raises “serious issues of public interest.”

Rotich, an ICPAK member since 2012, had been part of an audit team that uncovered alleged irregularities in medical billing within Kenya’s health system. His findings fed into law enforcement and oversight action.

“ICPAK’s concern is that if left unaddressed, such developments could inadvertently discourage professionals from speaking out on accountability matters,” Prof Kalunda told journalists in Nairobi on Friday.

She urged SHA and the Ministry of Health to ensure fairness, justice, and due process, noting that professionals who serve the public must be protected from vulnerability. ICPAK also called for an independent probe into the recruitments, in line with Article 47 of the Constitution on fair administrative action.

SHA Defends Process

SHA, however, insisted that its recruitment is transparent and fair. In a statement dated 26 September, the authority said it is following approved human resource guidelines to select qualified candidates.

“Recruitment is being conducted meticulously, transparently, and in strict adherence to the approved Human Resource and Career Guidelines, to ensure suitably qualified candidates are selected to serve Kenyans,” the statement read.

The hiring exercise, which began on 29 July with 64 advertised positions, follows a court ruling that nullified an earlier internal recruitment round. SHA said its focus remains on building a professional and accountable institution to deliver universal health coverage.

Call for Whistleblower Protection

Beyond Rotich’s case, ICPAK has pushed for stronger safeguards for professionals who expose wrongdoing.

“We demand safety of whistleblowers by ensuring security for CPA Rotich, his family, and others contributing to accountability efforts. We also call for a National Whistleblower Policy and enactment of the Whistleblower Act,” Prof Kalunda added.

She further confirmed that ICPAK will formally present its concerns to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) as part of broader efforts to strengthen transparency in public institutions.