A Meeting between Funders and Partners: The Progress Review of the Uongozi wa Afya Mashinani LG46 Project

The Uongozi wa Afya Mashinani LG46 project, under the Global Health Workforce Program (GHWP) recently underwent a comprehensive progress review, held at the IntraHealth Offices in Nairobi, Kenya. Funders, key partners, and stakeholders gathered to assess the strides made over the course of the year and outline strategies for the way forward. The project, funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care through THET (Tropical Health and Education Trust) is a collaborative effort involving Strathmore University Business School (SBS), IntraHealth, and Primary Care International (PCI) and focuses on enhancing leadership and management capacity of healthcare workers in the devolved health sector in Kenya.

Representing SBS at the meeting were Prof. Gilbert Kokwaro, Director of the Institute of Healthcare Management (virtually), James Oyoo, the E-Learning and IT expert (virtually) and Judith Amolo, UAM LG46 Project Administrator (in-person). Their presence highlighted the central role of SBS in overseeing the project’s academic and technological components, which were a key focus during the discussions. The meeting addressed various challenges, milestones, and the project’s future direction, emphasizing the complex but promising nature of improving healthcare leadership at the county level.

The meeting focused on several key aspects that are crucial to the success and sustainability of the project, highlighting challenges, milestones, and the future of the initiative while underscoring the complexity and promise of improving healthcare delivery at the county level.

A notable achievement recognized by the funders in the project is the recruitment of cohorts, with particular attention paid to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). By ensuring that diverse groups are represented in the project’s training, the project aligns with global health priorities that focus on inclusive leadership in health systems. The inclusion of women (36 out of the 63 participants) and marginalized groups ensures that future health leaders reflect the diversity of the populations they serve, fostering equity and inclusion at all levels of health management.

The possibility of these cohort members serving as mentors in the future was also raised. By empowering participants not just as learners but also as mentors, the project ensures a cascading effect of knowledge and skills. Graduates of the Leadership, Management, and Governance (LMG) courses can mentor others within their counties, furthering the project’s reach and impact.

During the meeting, funders expressed their admiration for the efficiency of the Learning Management System (LMS) managed by SBS, which has become a cornerstone of the Uongozi wa Afya Mashinani LG46 project. They commended the digital learning advancements being implemented in academia, highlighting how the LMS has effectively engaged participants through virtual learning sessions and self-paced content. The funders noted that the participants have not only embraced these digital learning platforms but have also demonstrated a strong commitment to participating in the virtual learning experience.

A significant appreciation was extended to the project team by the funders for their exceptional work in planning, facilitating, and guiding participants through the virtual classes. The seamless coordination and continuous support provided by the team have been instrumental in the successful uptake of the LMS. The integration of this technology is viewed as a major milestone, as it broadens access to knowledge, supports continuous learning, and ensures that participants are equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in leadership and management roles within the health sector.

This recognition further emphasizes the project’s forward-thinking approach to capacity building, blending modern digital solutions with traditional education methods to ensure optimal learning outcomes.

During the meeting, the funders commended the recognition and development of the safeguarding document and care protocols that were sent out by SBS during Kenya’s ‘maandamano’ period—a time of political protests and unrest. Ensuring the safety and well-being of participants in such a volatile environment was a priority, and the prompt and initiative-taking measures taken by SBS were widely appreciated. This emphasis on participant care reflects the broader commitment of the project to uphold high ethical standards and to prioritize the safety and dignity of all involved.

The Leadership, Management, and Governance (LMG) course is set to culminate with an in-person session in mid November 2024, when participants will be hosted at SBS for their final module. This will mark the end of an intensive learning journey that has equipped participants with essential leadership management and governance skills for managing Kenya’s primary health systems within the devolved contexts. To commemorate their achievements, the participants will also be celebrated with a graduation ceremony. Funders and partners emphasized the significance of this event, not only as a recognition of the participants’ hard work but also as a platform to showcase the success stories and the educational impact of the project.

In summary, the Uongozi wa Afya Mashinani LG46 project’s progress review was a testament to the power of partnership in transforming health leadership and management in Kenya. The meeting highlighted the achievements while also identifying areas that require further attention. Through rigorous engagement with county governments, a commitment to Gender Equity Social Inclusion (GESI), strategic financial planning, and a focus on sustainability, the GHWP project is well positioned to continue making a lasting impact in Kenya’s health sector.

Article by: Judith Adhiambo Amolo