Influence of Devolved Systems on Health Service Delivery: A Case of Kajiado County, Kenya
Abstract
Devolution was introduced by the 2010 Constitution,
allowing services such as Healthcare, Agriculture, Transport, and
Cultural to be provided through county governments. The County
governments have endeavoured to undertake these functions,
albeit with a few difficulties. This study purposes to assess the
influence of devolved governance on health services in level four
hospitals in Kajiado County. The study examined the influence of
the devolution of healthcare finance, healthcare management, and
healthcare human resources on the delivery of healthcare services
in the County. The study also examined the policies that could
enhance the healthcare services delivery subject if enacted.
Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to
actualize the study. The study was conducted in Kajiado Level
Four Hospital Kajiado County with a target population of 500
participants from various sectors in Kajiado County. A sample of
100 participants selected from the total population representing
twenty per cent was in the study. Data was collected by the use of
questionnaires and scheduled interviews. Both primary and
secondary data was be used in the study. Statistical methods
through the SPSS program were used to analyse quantitative data.
Visual such as figures and tabular presentations were used for the
results of this study. During data collection, ethical considerations
were respected and adhered to in full. The study observed that
Kajiado Level Five Hospital received its financing primarily from
the country government and a small proportion from Donor
funding. Financing from National Governments was mainly
through NHIF reimbursement and UHC-based disbursements
from the ministry of health. Devolution has enhanced the
administration of the hospital by equipping the leadership with
decision-making freedom. This efficacy was noted among
employees because the believed they were better off under county
leadership than they were under national government. However,
human resources at the hospital experienced a host of challenges
including staff shortage and delayed payments.
