Isiolo, Kilifi benefit from USAID program on fraud, wastage in health sector

Journalists and civil societies in five counties including Isiolo, Mombasa and Kilifi will benefit from a USAID-funded United Society Against Fraud, Waste and Abuse (USAWA) health program that seeks to ensure fiscal accountability, citizen participation and strengthen local health systems.

The five-year-program also being implemented in Kakamega and Nakuru counties will see local lobbies, private sector actors and citizen networks equipped with requisite skills to initiate and sustain advocacy initiatives on reforms that would transform the health sector.

USAWA Program's Deputy Chief of Party Titus Gitonga said the initiative will also support the implementation of health programmes that enhance efficiency and accountability in the use of resources for improved service delivery.

"The project will contribute to inclusive governance, accountability, improved performance and participation by the public on health issues," Gitonga said, adding that county health management teams and health workers will assist with governance issues and coming up with accountability structures.

Transparency International is the lead implementing agency alongside the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) and Global Impact.

Program Coordinator Lorna Sempele, representing AMWIK in the consortium, said select journalists in the five counties will besides being equipped with investigative reporting skills, also be assisted in establishing a strong network with local CSOs, private sector and other health stakeholders to push for reforms.

USAid USAWA Program Coordinator Lorna Sempele makes a presentation during an engagement with county and national government stakeholders in Isiolo town. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

Journalists will be provided with grants to investigate cases of fraud, wastage and abuse in the health sector, she said.

"We also hope to change the mindset about media as an enemy for airing negative stories to a development partner that helps in the visibility of the projects being undertaken as well as best practices in the health sector," she said.

Sempele further stated that a fully equipped media hub would be established in one of the counties to support local journalists during the program's period.

The program officials have already held stakeholders' engagements with representatives from various county and national government departments and trained local journalists and media practitioners in Isiolo County.

Isiolo Deputy County Secretary in charge of Partnerships and NGOs Coordination Mohammed Boru said the program will go a long way in strengthening the local health system and contribute to improved services.

"It will also enhance transparency in sharing of information on the health sector," he said.

The training on areas the journalists should look out for while fishing for ideas on alleged fraud, wastage and abuse was facilitated by veteran journalist and Media and Gender Consultant Marceline Nyambala.

Deputy Secretary General of Isiolo Journalists Wanjumbi Kamachu hailed the program, saying it will enhance local journalists' reporting skills and expose them to opportunities.

"Apart from collaborating and networking with various actors, the program will see more change-driven stories produced throughout the period which will improve health-seeking behaviour and contribute to better services for Isiolo residents," he said while reading out Isiolo Press Club Chairperson speech.