Evaluation of the Kenya health planning and information project

Special evaluation covers the period 7/79-7/82 and is based on document review, discussions with GOK and USAID/K officials, and site visits. Project objectives are being met despite the GOK's reluctance to establish a formal planning entity in the Ministry of Health (MOH), as called for in the project agreement. The project has increased awareness of planning issues. A Health Planning Steering Committee and a Health Planning Working Group (HPWG) have been created and both units are actively involved in health planning at all levels of the MOH; it is hoped that the informal HPWG will evolve into the desired formal entity. Planning to date has focused on the health sector portion of the GOK's next 5-year development plan. Participant training and planning workshops and seminars have been carried out essentially as specified, but not all M.S. trainees were sent to appropriate U.S. institutions. Obstacles to staffing and retaining planners in the MOH (public service regulations prevent separate career ladders for health planners, as intended) must be resolved. The contractor, Drew Postgraduate Medical School, has provided an able Chief of Party, but his effectiveness has been limited by insufficient professional and administrative support and by difficulties relating to disagreement between the GOK and A.I.D concerning the GOK's failure to establish a formal planning unit. Drew's financial and procurement management have not been adequate, however, and only 19 months (70 planned) of long-term technical assistance (TA) have been provided. Due to the lack of a long-term health information specialist, data needed for health planning have not been organized in a cohesive manner. Finally, only 33% of funds have been expended with 58% of time elapsed. A 2-year project extension is recommended, with more emphasis on policy analysis and formulation and on incorporating provincial and district plans into an overall health plan. Other recommendations address MOH staffing, training, and information needs, as well as project management and TA needs.