The Evidence for Action (E4A)-MamaYe team, provided technical support through training to the Bungoma coalition on key NHIF processes. The training components entailed:
i) Understanding the NHIF process, from a client visiting a facility, to documentation, claiming of the expense from NHIF, and the eventual payment to the facility,
ii) Understanding the processes and procedures of using finances earned by the facility to improve RMNCAH services, and
iii) Identifying advocacy points of entry in relation to facilities’ registration, claiming and use of facility- generated funds, notably: Investment by the county in computers, mobile phones, printers, biometric readers, and related technology to enable facilities to better manage transactions.
In Kenya, sub-national level governments develop a 5-year plan, the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP). This is therefore an important policy document for advocates to use and reference when presenting advocacy asks on improving health financing in Bungoma County. The department of health every year, develops its Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and civil society organisations like the Bungoma RMNCAH Network present evidence to inform how priorities are arrived at in the county AWP. For the advocates in Bungoma, it is important that they continuously present to the county and highlight the need to strengthen NHIF system as a way to generate more domestic revenue.
The training noted that there should be improved liaison between NHIF and primary health facilities to streamline uptake of the benefits package and payment mechanisms by NHIF. With support from E4A-MamaYe, the coalition in Bungoma will carry out a situation analysis for NHIF financing in Bungoma County. This will include estimation of potential income from the fund per primary health facility, identification of major bottlenecks against realization of such potential, and advocating for efficient use of funding received for RMNCAH priorities.