Machakos, Kenya – The Coalition for Health Research and Development’s recent Budget Advocacy Workshop in Machakos, held on October 2, 2024, sparked renewed enthusiasm among participants from the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), National Organization of Peer Educators (NOPE), the African Center For Health, Climate & Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA), Amref Health Africa and other organizations. For three days, health experts from the coalition delved into the 2024 Budget Policy Statement (BPS), analyzing government revenue projections, spending priorities, and their potential impact on health systems and infrastructure.
During the workshop, Samuel Makau, Coordinator of the Coalition for Health Research and Development (CHReaD), emphasized the critical need for health experts in Kenya to understand the national budgeting process better to advocate more effectively for Research and Development (R&D).
“Health experts must learn about the budgeting process in Kenya to better advocate for research and development,” Makau stated, stressing the importance of aligning expertise with fiscal strategy.
Echoing this sentiment, Catriona Mumuli, the Advocacy, Policy, and Communications Associate, from the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) said, “This workshop is so timely because it will help research experts appreciate the advocacy process in Kenya.”
Mumuli also pointed out the shifting landscape in the country, adding, “It’s critical for Kenya to increase its budget for research and development as times are changing.”
Retrospectively, Maureen Awuor from AMREF underscored the need for a deeper understanding of how R&D budgets are structured, stressing that Kenya should aim to meet the goals outlined in the Abuja Declaration.
“Understanding the budget for research and development remains essential,” Awuor said, referring to the 2001 commitment by African nations to allocate at least 15% of their annual budgets to the health sector.
Despite optimism in Research and Development, Imali Ngusale, the Technical Lead from the African Center For Health, Climate & Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA) flagged concerns that highlighted potential risks that could impede health milestones if research is not considered as a priority.
Ngusale said,” CHREAD’s focus on healthcare advocacy should prioritize budget allocations for the upcoming FY2025/26.”
Accordingly, Abraham Otieno from Bajetu Hub said that the budget process in Kenya is a cyclic process and the coalition’s inclusive approach needs to be intentional to shape the budget allocation process.
The CHREAD coalition continues to fuel her new appetite for budget advocacy. The increase in Research and Development investments in Kenya will likely be because of the collective efforts and promises that will enhance accountability, ensure public participation, and create fiscal policies that truly serve the people.