Abstract: The 2010 Kenyan Constitution established devolution, which in Kenya entails the distribution of authority, funds, and representation to the counties. Among the functions of Counties according to Schedule Four, is the provision of primary healthcare services. This study sought to determine how devolution influenced healthcare service delivery at Kitale County Referral Hospital. The study finds that there are direct impacts for the first objective simply pointing out that government, staffing and infrastructure negatively relate to HCSD. Finance positive (but weak) impacts are asserted via the regulation effect of government (and concern by the second objective), We notice that infrastructure and staffing negatively impact HCSD except for the direct impact of financing that is positive on HCSD. With the third objective, we notice that there is a significant correlation. Although the government relates negatively with HCSD, it positively influences the financing done on the growth and development of health care and so does staffing and infrastructure. Additionally, this study notes a huge gap in policymaking against the reality in healthcare facilities. Further, the study shows that there are improvements in healthcare in terms of efficiency, accessibility, affordability as well as effectiveness. Conclusively, the study recommends a holistic mechanism in policy-making to meet the challenges in healthcare and address the existing gaps.
Keywords: Devolution, Infrastructure, Finance, Staffing, Healthcare Service Delivery.
Title: Impact of Devolving Healthcare Services in Kenya: A Case of Kitale County Referral Hospital; Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya
Author: Brenda Nelima Lusaka, Maurice Simiyu Nyaranga, Prof. Wenxin Wang, Duncan O. Hongo
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 11, Issue 1, April 2023 - September 2023
Page No: 290-302
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 26-September-2023
