This week, 25 leading experts from civil society, research institutions, academia, and the private sector convened in Nakuru for a high-stakes SMART Advocacy Training led by the Coalition for Health Research and Development (CHReaD).

Samuel Makau, the CHReaDCoalition coordinator, said, ” The time for smart advocacy for Africa is now given the changing times.” Makau asserted, that civil society organizations should continue advocacy so long as they work together and co-create projects that are inclusive.

Additionally, Imali Ngusale, the Lead strategist from the African Center for Health, Climate and Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA) echoed the same sentiments, citing that Health non-profit organizations need to re-think out of the box and implement projects that focus on increasing domestic funding for research and development.

It is estimated that the United States of America has cut funding of approximately $60 billion in overall foreign aid, and a significant portion of this is from health programs in Africa. It is, therefore, likely that projects tackling diseases like malaria and AIDS and potentially disrupting HIV treatment and prevention programs. 

It is perhaps for this reason why Shirley Sabrina from WEMA Africa believes that SMART advocacy is a necessary tool for achieving health change objectives.” In her view, decision-makers must prioritize health and fund sustainable solutions for future generations.

While many health practitioners may not yet be fully acquainted with the principles of SMART Advocacy, Gloria Gatuuru of WACI Health believes it holds immense potential. She insists that there is a high possibility that health advocates and workers will benefit from it,  because it enables a deeper introspection on Africa’s health future.

Accordingly, Mwanaisha Aura from the Access to Medicines Platform (META Health) said,” Smart advocacy is about strategy, evidence, and targeted engagement with relevant stakeholders.” Aura believes that advocacy must be intentional, guided by data-driven strategies and engagement with key decision-makers to drive meaningful change.

As Africa faces shrinking health budgets, the path forward remains uncertain. But one thing is undeniable, health advocacy is evolving, and those who embrace SMART strategies will captain the future of healthcare on the continent.

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.