Influence in Healthcare Financing Advocacy: A Success Story from Kakamega County

Introduction

Kakamega County has long depended on donor funding to sustain its TB, HIV, and malaria programs. However, with donor contributions diminishing, the future of these critical health initiatives is at risk. Recognizing this urgent challenge, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) stepped up to advocate for increased domestic funding. This article narrates their journey, strategies, and the remarkable successes achieved in securing better healthcare financing for Kakamega County.

The Challenge

For years, donor funding has been the backbone of TB, HIV, and malaria programs in Kakamega County. As these external funds began to dwindle, the county faced a looming health crisis. The reduction in funding threatened the effectiveness and continuity of health services, putting the lives of many residents, especially the vulnerable, at risk. Addressing this funding gap became a pressing priority for local CSOs.

The Intervention

In response to this challenge, the Network for Research and Governance, in collaboration with Community Asset Building and Development Action (CABDA), spearheaded a robust advocacy campaign. They mobilized other CSOs in Kakamega County to form a united front dedicated to ensuring sustainable healthcare financing. The coalition focused on influencing the county’s budgetary allocations to prioritize TB, HIV, and malaria programs.

Key Activities:

1. Formation of Advocacy Network: Led by the Network for Research and Governance and CABDA, a coalition of CSOs came together to advocate for increased healthcare funding.
2. Capacity Building: In September 2022, advocates received comprehensive training to enhance their skills in budget analysis and advocacy, empowering them to engage effectively with policymakers.
3. Engagement with Policymakers: The coalition engaged County Assembly Health Committee Members, presenting well-researched arguments on the necessity of increased funding for TB, HIV, and malaria.
4. Public Participation: Advocates utilized public participation forums to submit memos and petitions, ensuring their voices were heard in the County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP) for 2024/25.
5. Ongoing Deliberations: Through regular meetings, the network reviewed and influenced the County Annual Development Plan (ADP), County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), and County Fiscal Strategy Paper, advocating for higher budget allocations.

Outcomes and Impact

The advocacy efforts of the CSOs led to significant outcomes:

• In FY 2022/2023, HIV/AIDS, TB, and Leprosy programs were allocated Kshs 513,574, and malaria received Kshs 599,170.
• As a result of persistent advocacy, the FY 2023/2024 budget saw these allocations double to Kshs 1 million for TB, HIV, and malaria programs.
• Remarkably, 60% of the recommendations submitted through the memo to the County Fiscal Strategy Paper 2024/2025 were accepted, ensuring that these health programs remained prioritized in the county’s budget.

Lessons Learned

The success of this initiative offers several key lessons:

• Grassroots Advocacy: Local advocacy can profoundly influence policy decisions and resource allocation.
• Community Engagement: Active participation of community members in policy processes is crucial for driving change.
• Capacity Building: Ongoing training and capacity building for advocates are essential for sustaining effective advocacy efforts.
• Collaborative Efforts: Collaboration among CSOs strengthens their collective voice, making it easier to influence policymakers and achieve common goals.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The achievements in Kakamega County underscore the power and effectiveness of grassroots advocacy in shaping government priorities and resource allocation. This success story highlights the importance of continuous advocacy and community engagement in influencing policy decisions. Moving forward, CSOs in Kakamega County must monitor, evaluate, and track the implementation of the prioritized initiatives. They should also identify new opportunities for advocacy to ensure that healthcare financing remains a top priority in the county’s agenda.

Call to Action We invite all stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and community members, to support and collaborate with us in our ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare financing for TB, HIV, and malaria programs. Together, we can ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for Kakamega County.