By Sharon Onyango
From October 2025 to mid-April 2026, one powerful question shaped Siaya’s journey: how can community voices improve healthcare delivery?
At the County-level Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) Data Triangulation and Review Meeting, the County Health Management Team and healthcare professionals reviewed findings from the CLM survey conducted by Amref Health Africa in Kenya through Impact Research and Development Organization (IRDO).
Using iMonitor—a digital platform designed to capture real-time compliments and complaints from patients after receiving services—the survey placed community experiences at the center of healthcare improvement.
The findings revealed important community insights and opportunities to strengthen healthcare services and responsiveness offering both encouragement and important lessons.While many health facilities showed commitment by responding to patient feedback, delayed response times consistently emerged as a major challenge.
James Ochieng from Amref, emphasized that timely responses are more than an administrative task—they are essential for building patient trust, strengthening accountability, and improving service delivery.
The survey also highlighted positive change. Facilities that actively addressed patient concerns were able to make meaningful improvements in care quality. In several instances, communities themselves took initiative, spearheading projects to help local health facilities better meet their needs.
During the meeting, County Director for Public Health, Dr. Kennedy Oruenjo, commended the CLM initiative as a powerful tool for strengthening healthcare systems. He emphasized that sustainable healthcare delivery also relies on financial stability, urging greater patient registration under SHA to support stronger service provision.
He further acknowledged the urgent need to improve response times, noting that the County will intensify efforts to ensure all patient grievances are addressed promptly—reinforcing Siaya’s commitment to responsive, people-centered healthcare.