The GHWP Mentors’ Reorientation Workshop, hosted by IntraHealth, took place at the PrideInn by Radisson Hotel in Nairobi on March 18-19, 2025. This two-day event marked a significant milestone as the GHWP LG46 Project transitioned into its second phase, a cost-extension that emphasizes impactful mentorship. The gathering brought together ten internal and external county mentors who had played instrumental roles in the first phase, which concluded in January 2025. Their collective experience and commitment to mentorship within Kenya’s healthcare sector made this workshop a critical step in shaping the project’s next chapter.
Excitement was palpable among the participants as they discussed the increased focus on structured mentorship and productive peer networks in this phase. The cost-extension aims to enhance leadership, governance, and management skills among healthcare professionals, empowering them to navigate complex challenges and drive sustainable improvements. The discussions underscored the need for greater leadership involvement in mentorship, equipping mentors with strategies to effectively engage with key decision-makers. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) also featured prominently, with participants reflecting on lessons learned from previous mentorship efforts in Kisumu County.
The workshop further highlighted the strength of collaboration among the consortium partners. Representing Strathmore Business School (SBS), Professor Kokwaro, Director of the Institute of Healthcare Management (IHM), reaffirmed SBS’s commitment to leadership capacity building in healthcare. Other key partners, including Primary Care International (PCI), reinforced their dedication to sustaining the project’s impact through structured mentorship and leadership development.
The workshop received overwhelming support from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Council of Governors (CoG), showcasing the country’s dedication to Primary Health Care (PHC) as a fundamental pillar in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Their endorsement shows the national commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, improving mentorship structures, and fostering leadership that will drive long-term health sector reforms.
Discussions over the two days focused on key themes such as integrating mentorship into leadership structures, securing funding to sustain mentorship initiatives, and creating a reward model for counties demonstrating excellence in compliance and leadership development. Participants reflected on the successes and challenges of the first phase, drawing lessons from Kirinyaga County, where three Primary Care Networks (PCNs) were established as a direct outcome of the project. However, funding constraints and political instability had affected the implementation of mentorship efforts, necessitating innovative strategies to ensure project sustainability.
A key takeaway from the workshop was the importance of engaging top county leaders in decision-making processes related to resource allocation and planning. The discussions also highlighted the adoption of a directorate of policy and planning, as seen in Trans Nzoia County, and the need for a budget-based annual work plan to enhance accountability.
As the project advances, an action plan was outlined to guide the next phase. Participants agreed on the need to develop a short concept note to be presented at a Thought Leadership Workshop, focusing on health financing and resourcing. Other priorities included depoliticizing healthcare, leveraging public-private partnerships (PPP) to optimize resources, and ensuring that primary healthcare (PHC) funds effectively reach PCNs. Additionally, the importance of aligning mentorship efforts with the four laws of PHC leading to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) was emphasized.
Another critical discussion revolved around resource allocation, particularly considering Kenya’s evolving healthcare landscape. Participants explored ways to enhance equity within the health agenda, optimize Public Private Partnerships and promote a bottom-up approach that emphasizes systemic thinking. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS), as an instrumental depository tool, underscoring the need for improved data management and accountability mechanisms.
Looking ahead, the project aims to build a robust trust infrastructure within healthcare institutions by identifying gaps in function, structure, and resources while ensuring ethical governance. As the GHWP LG46 mentorship program moves forward, the collaboration between IntraHealth, SBS, and PCI will be instrumental in driving lasting improvements in healthcare leadership. With structured mentorship, enhanced leadership engagement, and sustainable financing strategies, the project is set to make a transformative impact on Kenya’s healthcare sector. The momentum generated during the workshop signals a promising future, as mentors and mentees alike prepare to contribute meaningfully to the next phase of this visionary initiative.
Article by: Judith Adhiambo Amolo
Article by: Judith Adhiambo Amolo
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