IMPACT: Where We Work — Kenya

About Kenya

Kenya is the host site for the first African IMPACT program. Kenya is a lower-middle income country located on the eastern coast of the African continent between Ethiopia and Tanzania. It has a population of 33.8 million and is viewed as a central hub of East Africa.

In 2014, the country’s Gross National Income was $1,290 USD, and its health expenditure per capita was $45 USD (World Bank, 2016). The country’s current life expectancy is 46 years of age, with HIV as the leading cause of death in the country (WHO, 2016).

The process of devolution has led to significant changes in government. This new system moves service delivery and accountability to local levels, rather than at the national level. This change means that capacity building at local levels has become a priority.

IMPACT Program—Kenya

IMPACT-Kenya has the following programs:

• Track 1: IMPACT Fellowship Program, a two-year master’s program for early career professionals
• Track 2: IMPACT Distinguished Fellows Program, a six-month program for senior level managers

In October 2016, Kenya’s first Distinguished Fellows cohort graduated. Five of the twelve graduates currently serve as mentors and supervisors for the two-year master’s program that launched in February 2017.

On February 8, 2017, IMPACT-Kenya launched its first two-year cohort of eight fellows. The event was commemorated with a launch breakfast featuring leadership from the Kenya Ministry of Health and Kenyatta University.

Field Placement Sites:

• Kisumu County Department of Health
• Eldoret County Department of Health
• Nyeri County Department of Health
• Marsabit County Department of Health
• Kenya National Malaria Control Programme
• Kenya National Disease Surveillance & Response Unit
• Kenya National TB and Leprosy Programme
• Kenya National Department of Non-communicable Diseases