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• Research Papers

  Assessing mobile phone access and perceptions for texting-based mHealth interventions among expectant mothers and child caregivers in remote regions of northern Kenya

  Despite challenges in remote areas of northern Kenya, most pregnant women and caregivers attending maternal and child health clinics have access to mobile phones and are receptive to receiving weekly SMS messages from healthcare providers. A survey across eight facilities showed 92% of phone users supported mHealth communication, highlighting its potential to improve antenatal care and child immunization. Tailored mHealth programs could enhance engagement and health outcomes in these underserved regions.   Read More >>

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  Using lean manufacturing principles to evaluate wait times for HIV-positive patients in an urban clinic in Kenya

  As HIV treatment programs expand in Africa, strengthening clinic systems is essential for improving patient retention. This study used lean manufacturing principles to assess patient flow and experience in an urban Kenyan HIV clinic. Key barriers identified included inconsistent patient arrivals and staffing, filing system issues, and serving patients out of order—all contributing to long, variable wait times. Focus group discussions revealed how these inefficiencies hinder patient engagement. Clinic staff welcomed the findings and proposed low-cost solutions. Applying lean methods in low-re

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  Walking Together: Towards a Collaborative Model for Maternal Health Care in Pastoralist Communities of Laikipia and Samburu, Kenya

  In response to low uptake of skilled birth attendance in pastoralist areas, a collaborative model was developed in Laikipia and Samburu, integrating traditional birth attendants (TBAs) with skilled birth attendants (SBAs) to improve maternal care. Through community engagement and research, the model promotes shared roles in antenatal and postnatal care, respectful maternity practices, and facility redesigns to better serve local needs, aiming to enhance safety and ease the transition to SBA-led births.   Read More

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  Neonatal, infant, and child mortality among women exposed to intimate partner violence in East Africa: a multi-country analysis

  This study analyzed data from five East African countries to explore the link between intimate partner violence (IPV) and child mortality. Among 11,512 women surveyed, those who experienced IPV were significantly more likely to lose children as newborns (aOR = 1.3), infants (aOR = 1.9), and under-fives (aOR = 1.5). Socioeconomic factors like education, wealth, and media exposure were also associated with IPV. Notably, women using contraceptives had lower odds of child mortality. The findings highlight IPV as a critical risk factor for child survival, underscoring the need to integrate IPV prev

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  Water, sanitation and hygiene coverage and practices of a semi-arid county in the Eastern region of Kenya

  This study assessed water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions in two subcounties of Kitui County, Kenya, revealing significant challenges. Despite national progress, 39.9% of households rely on rivers for water, with over half walking more than 2 km to access it. Only 11.9% of water sources are available year-round, and many households use just 13.3 liters per person daily, often at a high cost. Latrine coverage is 56.4%, while open defecation persists at 8.5%. The findings highlight the urgent need to scale up WASH interventions to meet national standards and improve health and living

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  Legitimacy Status and Capacity to conduct Social Accountability among Community Based Organizations in Kenya. A Survey of Health Civil Society Organizations in Siaya County

  This study examined how legitimacy status influences the capacity of health-related Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Siaya County, Kenya, to conduct social accountability. Following devolution, CSOs have faced increased expectations to hold county governments accountable, especially in the health sector. The study found that the legitimacy of CSOs significantly enhances their ability to conduct social accountability. Strengthening legitimacy through proper registration, inclusive governance, and community participation is key to improving their effectiveness. Read More

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  Intersections between climate change and female genital mutilation among the Maasai of Kajiado County, Kenya

  This study explored how climate change affects gender norms and the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among the Maasai in Kajiado County, Kenya. Findings show that climate-induced poverty has deepened gender inequalities, leading to increased FGM and child marriages as survival strategies. The study highlights the need for intersectional, context-sensitive approaches to FGM interventions that consider social, economic, and environmental factors.   Read More

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  Determinants of quality in home-based management of malaria by community health volunteers in rural Kenya

  This study assessed factors influencing the quality of community case management of malaria (CCMM) by community health volunteers (CHVs) in Bungoma County, Kenya. Among 147 CHVs observed and interviewed, 62% provided quality services, defined as scoring ≥75%. Key determinants of quality included consistent supplies of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), as well as recent supervisory support. CHVs with regular supervision were four times more likely to perform well, and those with reliable AL and RDT supplies performed three times better. The study undersco

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