Facilitators and Barriers to Data Use in Kenya: Learning from the MEASURE Evaluation PIMA Associate Award

Author(s): MEASURE Evaluation

Year: 2018

Abstract:

MEASURE Evaluation works to strengthen capacity in developing countries to gather, interpret, and use data to improve health. High-quality data are essential for effective and efficient decision making in health, to promote transparency and strengthen the accountability of decision makers. MEASURE Evaluation developed an organizing framework that maps how data use intervention inputs and activities influence the outputs and outcome of regular sustained use of data in program review, planning, and policy (Nutley & Reynolds, 2013). This framework provides a comprehensive and practical strategy for developing interventions to strengthen the demand for and use of data in decision making.

This framework has been used to guide the design of interventions to improve data-informed decision making, which were implemented as part of larger health information system and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) strengthening projects in Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania (the MEASURE Evaluation associate awards). To understand the progress made by each associate award in improving data use, MEASURE Evaluation explored the facilitators and barriers contributing to the effectiveness of

This report presents the results of the Kenya follow-up investigation. Findings for South Africa and Tanzania are presented separately. These reports are meant to be shared with country governments, programs, and donors implementing DDU interventions to sustain a culture of decision making in health programs. Access a related report for an overview of the learning exercise approach and key findings across the three countries.