Conference abstract
Enhancing organizational capacity of community-led organizations in Kenya for sustained impacts of health projects: insights from Organizational Development, systems Strengthening (ODSS) and technical assistance
Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2024:21(6).29
Apr 2024.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2024.21.6.2337
Archived on: 29 Apr 2024
Contact the corresponding author
Keywords: Community-Led Organizations, health projects, Organizational Development, systems strengthening, technical assistance
Oral presentation
Enhancing organizational capacity of community-led organizations in Kenya for sustained impacts of health projects: insights from Organizational Development, systems Strengthening (ODSS) and technical assistance
Paul Maleya1,&, Joyce Murerwa1, Jane Kitonga1, Christine Mwamsidu1
1Amref Health Africa in Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
&Corresponding author
Introduction: Community led organizations (CLOs) have a vital role in leading initiatives and fostering health interventions within their communities. These local groups support communities in addressing their health needs, thus contributing to health systems strengthening. Despite their crucial role, limited organizational capacity often hinders implementation. In light of these obstacles, Amref through Global Fund has been supporting capacity enhancement initiatives targeting the CLOs using the ODSS approach to bolster effectiveness, efficiency and sustainable implementation.
Methods: CLOs were assessed on various thematic areas including Leadership and Governance, Project Management; Financial Management and Sustainability. Organizations identified with gaps were offered technical assistance (TA) using the ODSS model. Following this TA, the organizations analyzed the gaps within their structures and crafted a capacity improvement plan used throughout the mentorships and coaching period.
Results: between July 2021 and December 2023, a comprehensive assessment was conducted on 1,154 CLOs across 29 counties in Kenya. Out of these, only 281 (24%) were deemed well-developed. Trainers of trainees (TOTs) from Amref and consultants trained 628 organizations on ODSS, subsequently providing ongoing mentorship to 693 (54%) organizations. About 40 organizations improved across thematic areas contributing to advocating for quality health and increased funds allocation for health within local governments. Additionally, eight organizations secured funding from various donors.
Conclusion: the technical assistance led by Amref has made significant strides in improving the capacity of CLOs in Africa. Local governments and development partners should provide adequate financial and human resources to support capacity building through the ODSS approach to strengthen health systems.
Enhancing organizational capacity of community-led organizations in Kenya for sustained impacts of health projects: insights from Organizational Development, systems Strengthening (ODSS) and technical assistance
Paul Maleya1,&, Joyce Murerwa1, Jane Kitonga1, Christine Mwamsidu1
1Amref Health Africa in Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
&Corresponding author
Introduction: Community led organizations (CLOs) have a vital role in leading initiatives and fostering health interventions within their communities. These local groups support communities in addressing their health needs, thus contributing to health systems strengthening. Despite their crucial role, limited organizational capacity often hinders implementation. In light of these obstacles, Amref through Global Fund has been supporting capacity enhancement initiatives targeting the CLOs using the ODSS approach to bolster effectiveness, efficiency and sustainable implementation.
Methods: CLOs were assessed on various thematic areas including Leadership and Governance, Project Management; Financial Management and Sustainability. Organizations identified with gaps were offered technical assistance (TA) using the ODSS model. Following this TA, the organizations analyzed the gaps within their structures and crafted a capacity improvement plan used throughout the mentorships and coaching period.
Results: between July 2021 and December 2023, a comprehensive assessment was conducted on 1,154 CLOs across 29 counties in Kenya. Out of these, only 281 (24%) were deemed well-developed. Trainers of trainees (TOTs) from Amref and consultants trained 628 organizations on ODSS, subsequently providing ongoing mentorship to 693 (54%) organizations. About 40 organizations improved across thematic areas contributing to advocating for quality health and increased funds allocation for health within local governments. Additionally, eight organizations secured funding from various donors.
Conclusion: the technical assistance led by Amref has made significant strides in improving the capacity of CLOs in Africa. Local governments and development partners should provide adequate financial and human resources to support capacity building through the ODSS approach to strengthen health systems.
