Community urged to engage in health financing as DRM training kicks off in Uasin Gishu
The organization expressed optimism that, through enhanced knowledge of DRM and PFM, more community-based organizations will secure resources to drive health programs at grassroots level.
By mahlon Lichuma
Uasin Gishu residents are being encouraged to take a more active role in understanding how public health is funded, as key partners in the health sector convene for a two-day Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) training in Eldoret.
The training, organized by the Health NGO Network (HENNET) in partnership with Neighbours In Action-Kenya (NIAK), began on Monday at Winster Hotel.
It aims to strengthen the capacity of civil society and health stakeholders on health financing, with the broader goal of improving funding opportunities for community health programmes.
Speaking during the opening session, Caren Mutai, representing the Global Fund HIV Grant under the Kenya Red Cross, emphasized the need for enhanced community involvement in planning and budget processes.
“We cannot improve the health of our people if communities do not understand how health funds are mobilized, allocated, and utilized,” she noted.
Her sentiments were echoed by Grace Muthoni, a vice chair,CommunitySystemHealth Strengthening Technical Working Group (CSST- WG), who urged participants to hold county structures accountable to ensure the health sector receives adequate attention.
Eliud Kiprop, Monitoring and Evaluation specialist at HENNET, further explained that better understanding of resource flows would empower organizations and residents to advocate for greater investment in health.
Focus on public finance and budgeting
Participants were taken through an introduction to Domestic Resource Mobilization, Public Finance Management (PFM), and key timelines in Kenya’s planning and budgeting framework.
Sessions highlighted the Public Finance Management Act (2012), which guides fiscal responsibility, the budget cycle, expenditure ceilings, and county government financial obligations. The County Governments Act (2012) was also discussed, particularly its provisions empowering counties to deliver essential services—including health—to citizens.
Trainers outlined the four main stages of the budget-making process: Planning, Budget Formulation, Budget Implementation, Reporting, and Audit. They also discussed the factors influencing how funds are allocated, including the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), departmental priorities, and auditor reports.
Health among Uasin Gishu’s top ten development priorities
During the training, Uasin Gishu County’s development priorities were reviewed, with health ranked as one of the top sectors. According to the county’s agenda, “A healthy nation is a wealthy nation,” underscoring the importance of investing in well-equipped health facilities, disease prevention, and community health systems.
Other priority areas include agriculture and food security, ICT and e-government, education and youth empowerment, infrastructure, water and environment, public service management, and urban development.
Community participation encouraged
County residents were reminded of the role of the County Budget and Economic Forum (CBEF) , a platform created under Section 137 of the PFM Act to involve professionals, business leaders, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly in county planning and budgeting.
Stakeholders stressed that when communities are informed about budget timelines and public participation opportunities, they can advocate for adequate health funding and challenge low-priority allocations, such as excessive spending on non-essential infrastructure at the expense of health.
The organization expressed optimism that, through enhanced knowledge of DRM and PFM, more community-based organizations will secure resources to drive health programs at grassroots level.
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