Community health improvement planning in Africa
Rural engagement goes global with Dr. Priscilla Barnes and her team at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington
About the partnership
In 2006, Kenya introduced the Community Health Strategy, a community-based approach that was integrated into the second National Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHSSP II: 2005-2010). Kabarak University and Indiana University plan to collaborate with community leaders in Baringo, Nakuru, and Kericho counties to develop a data dashboard from information collected by community health promoters. Based on the dashboard's findings, the universities will work with focal points and community health promoters to implement strategies outlined in their health improvement plans. The goal is to enhance health standards in local communities within these counties.
Project partners for this initiative include Kabarak University, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, and Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement.
Project locations
The Rift Valley of Kenya
The Rift Valley, which spans 14 counties, is Kenya's largest region and has significant health disparities, particularly in rural areas. Three proximal counties have been chosen for the pilot development of community health improvement plans, which will focus on the development of community-driven strategies to address pressing but underperforming health needs:
Baringo
Population: Approximately 666,763
Baringo County, one of Kenya's largest, spans 11,075 km² but has a relatively small population. It is divided into 7 Sub-Counties: Baringo South, Mogotio, Eldama Ravine, Baringo Central, Baringo North, Tiaty West, and Tiaty East, with 30 Electoral Wards and 184 locations. The headquarters is in Kabarnet town, 140 km from Nakuru City and 295 km from Nairobi. About 80% of the county is arid or semi-arid. The county is predominantly inhabited by the Tugen (a Kalenjin sub-tribe), with minority groups including the Ilchamus, Pokot, Endorois, Kikuyus, Turkanas, and Nubians. The population is mainly concentrated in the highlands and urban centers, while the arid regions are sparsely populated.
Industry
- Agriculture
- Livestock farming, particularly cattle, goats, and sheep.
- Honey production, with Baringo known for its high-quality honey.
- Crop farming in the more fertile areas, including maize, millet, and sorghum.
- Tourism
- Ecotourism centered around Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria, known for hot springs and wildlife.
- Cultural tourism showcasing the traditions of the Tugen, Ilchamus, and other local communities.
- Mining
- Small-scale mining, particularly of diatomite and gemstones.
- Potential for geothermal energy exploration in the Rift Valley region.
- Fisheries
- Fishing activities, especially around Lake Baringo, supporting local consumption and trade.
Kericho
Population: Approximately 901,777
Kericho County, situated in Kenya's Rift Valley region, covers an area of 2,479.1 km². It is divided into 6 Sub-Counties: Ainamoi, Belgut, Bureti, Kipkelion East, Kipkelion West, and Sigowet-Soin, comprising 30 Electoral Wards. The county's headquarters is in Kericho town, located approximately 260 km northwest of Nairobi.
Kericho County is known for its lush green landscape and is a major center for tea production, making it one of Kenya's key agricultural regions. The county is predominantly inhabited by the Kipsigis, a sub-tribe of the Kalenjin community, with smaller populations of other ethnic groups including the Kikuyu, Luo, and Luhya. The population is primarily concentrated in the highlands and urban centers like Kericho town, while rural areas are less densely populated. Kericho is renowned for its scenic tea plantations, which contribute significantly to both the local and national economy.
Industry
- Tea
- Kericho is one of the largest tea-producing regions in Kenya, with numerous tea plantations.
- Tea processing factories that export tea globally.
- Employment in tea farms and processing plants is a significant part of the local economy.
- Agriculture
- Besides tea, the county also produces crops like maize, beans, and horticultural products.
- Dairy farming and livestock rearing, contributing to the local economy.
- Tourism
- Scenic landscapes, including tea estates, attract both domestic and international tourists.
- Ecotourism, with natural attractions like waterfalls and forests.
- Forestry
- Timber and wood products industry, supported by the Mau Forest complex and other forested areas.
- Sustainable forestry practices contributing to both conservation and economic activities.
Nakuru
Population: Approximately 2,162,202
Nakuru County, located in Kenya's Rift Valley region, covers an area of 7,495.1 km². It is divided into 11 Sub-Counties: Nakuru Town West, Nakuru Town East, Naivasha, Gilgil, Molo, Njoro, Rongai, Subukia, Bahati, Kuresoi North, and Kuresoi South, comprising 55 Electoral Wards. The county's headquarters is in Nakuru City, which is approximately 160 km northwest of Nairobi.
Nakuru County is characterized by diverse geography, including fertile agricultural lands, highlands, and parts of the Rift Valley. It is predominantly inhabited by the Kikuyu, Kalenjin, and Maasai communities, with other ethnic groups such as the Luo, Luhya, Kisii, and Kamba also present. The population is highly concentrated in urban centers like Nakuru City and Naivasha, while rural areas are sparsely populated. Nakuru is known for its agricultural productivity, vibrant urban economy, and tourist attractions, including Lake Nakuru National Park.
Industry
- Agriculture
- Predominantly farming of crops such as maize, wheat, and vegetables.
- Floriculture, with flower farms exporting to international markets.
- Dairy farming, with a strong presence of milk processing plants.
- Tourism
- Tourist attractions such as Lake Nakuru National Park, Menengai Crater, and Hell’s Gate National Park.
- Hospitality industry supported by hotels, lodges, and resorts catering to tourists.
- Manufacturing
- Agro-processing industries, including milling, food processing, and beverage production.
- Cement production, with major companies like Bamburi and Simba Cement having plants in the county.
- Retail and trade
- Nakuru City is a key commercial hub, with a vibrant retail sector including supermarkets, shops, and markets.
The projects
The community health improvement plan should ideally be field-informed by local data gathered by community health promoters. County governments, through the Department of Public Health, collects data from the communities monthly. These statistics contain household data on environmental health indicators, hospital accessibility, medical service utilization, and community adoption of healthy living practices.
Kabarak University and Indiana University are convening focal point leaders to discuss projects and next steps in developing a dashboard, enhancing the community health promoters training, and evaluating community strategies from their health improvement plans.