ICJ urges CSOs to strengthen policy advocacy in health sector

The engagement, convened by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), brought together representatives from CSOs, health advocacy groups, and legal aid actors to strengthen their capacity for policy advocacy, promote accountability, and enhance public participation in healthcare decision-making.

This comes at a time when Kenya implements key health sector reforms to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC), including the Social Health Insurance Act, the Primary Health Care Act, the Digital Health Act, and the Facility Improvement Financing Act.

While these reforms have been a major step towards strengthening healthcare systems, the stakeholders noted that there are still several challenges in public participation, weak accountability mechanisms and minimal coordination at both the national and county levels.

“Public participation in health governance is not a favour. It is a constitutional imperative”, said ICJ Kenya programme officer, Geoffrey Odhiambo during a capacity-building engagement held in Kakamega County from April 22–24, 2026.

Here, stakeholders observed the role of civil society organisations in ensuring that health policies translate into real benefits for citizens.

However, many organisations still face capacity gaps in legislative engagement and evidence-based advocacy.

Representatives from the CSOs discussed different ways and practical skills focused on public participation processes and oversight mechanisms, and the use of data and lived experiences to influence policy.

Stakeholders observed that public participation is essential in a devolved system like Kenya’s. They encouraged CSOs to actively engage in budget hearings, legislative processes, and community forums to ensure that health priorities reflect the needs of citizens.

The engagement is part of ICJ Kenya’s efforts to promote the rule of law, champion democratic governance, and advance justice.