Kakuma – 21st August 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Department of Health and Sanitation has convened two workshops to develop strategies for strengthened service delivery by the County and health partners and, responsible community oversight of the health sector.
Supported by USAID Uongozi wa Afya Thabiti (UAT), the workshops are expected to produce two draft frameworks designed to strengthen the health system through improved partner coordination and responsible community oversight of the health sector. These frameworks will benefit both the department and its partners.
In his remarks at the workshop on social accountability, County Health Executive Longole Wangiros emphasized that the driving force for government accountability is society.
“The terms of engagement should be professional and follow protocol, and how to escalate issues should be at the forefront,” he said.
The workshop comprised county health officials and representatives from community-based organizations (CBOs) across all sub-counties. These CBOs are members of the Turkana Development Trust (TDT), which represents 84 CBOs, 30 of which are health-related.
“In the management of public resources, CBOs play an essential role in social accountability,” said Dr. Chris Barasa, Chief of Party of UAT.
At the partnership framework development workshop, Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, Cathra Abdi, advised participants to ensure the document includes modalities on partner entry, distribution, and coordination.
“The document should foster a stronger relationship between the county government and partners, as it will bring more resources into the county, benefiting the community,” she said.
As one of the partner participants, the Vice Chair of TDT Dr Paul Mutu said that a well-coordinated partnership was not just about aligning goals but also about avoiding duplication and directing resources where they are needed.
“A coordinated partnership is about cultivating a shared vision and working together with precision to ensure long-term sustainability in supporting our people,” said Dr Mutu.
Also present at the meeting was Michael Aupe, Deputy Director of Resource Mobilization, Partnership, and Donor Coordination (Office of the Deputy Governor). Partner representatives included those from USAID UAT, Path Kenya, AIC Health Ministries, Kenya Red Cross, ADRA Kenya, USAID Msingi Imara, USAID Ubora Mashinani, Diocese of Lodwar, International Rescue Committee, and the Department of Refugee Affairs.
