Health managers’ perspectives of community health committees’ participation in the annual health sector planning and budgeting process in a devolved unit in Kenya: a cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study explores how community health committees in Kenya participate in health planning and budgeting, finding that while seen as beneficial, their involvement is low and faces challenges.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the perspectives of health managers on community participation in planning and budgeting in a devolved Kenyan unit.

Findings

87% of health managers agree CHC participation is beneficial, but only 11% are satisfied with it.

Over 50% of health managers believe CHUs lack necessary skills and adequate resources for effective participation.

The study recommends increased funding and capacity-building to improve CHC involvement.

Abstract

health sector planning and budgeting are concerned with identifying priorities that guide budgetary allocation to improve health outcomes. Engaging the community in this process empowers them to manage their own health. Despite the benefits and the availability of legislation and structures to mainstream community participation, their involvement is minimal and marred with challenges. This study, therefore, aimed to examine the level and perspectives of health managers on community health committees´ (CHC) participation in health sector planning and budgeting.

the study utilized a cross-sectional research design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Study participants were involved in planning and budgeting. Quantitative data were collected from 100% (n=170) of health managers, while qualitative data were gathered from 100% (n=3) of county department of health executives and 94% (n=83) of community health committee members. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze quantitative data, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

although 87% of the health managers agreed that community health committee participation is beneficial, only 11% of them were satisfied with their participation, and 54% rated CHC participation as low; furthermore, over 50% of health managers disagreed that Community Health Unit (CHUs) have the necessary skills to effectively participate in the process, that adequate budget and time are allocated for CHC participation, and that feedback about the process is provided to them.

the county health department of health should allocate more funds and design sustained capacity-building programs to enhance CHC participation in health sector planning and budgeting.

Figures