The Health NGOs Network (HENNET) is currently participating in the Social Health Authority (SHA) Selection Working Group, representing Civil Society Organizations in a space that is reshaping how health decisions are made in Kenya.
Dr Margaret Lubaale, CEO at HENNET
This engagement marks a significant shift from traditional advocacy approaches toward a more rigorous, evidence-driven process. While this transition has presented challenges, it has also proven transformative in strengthening how civil society contributes to national health priorities.
Health Technology Assessment under the Social Health Authority is emerging as a gamechanger. By introducing structure, discipline, and transparency into decision-making, Health Technology Assessment is redefining how health services are prioritized. This shift ensures that decisions are not only informed by need but also guided by sustainability, effectiveness, and equity, ultimately determining which services Kenyans can access.
At HENNET, there is a strong commitment to demystifying Health Technology Assessment and making it accessible to communities and civil society organizations. Health decisions should not exist only within technical documents and expert discussions. Behind every intervention lies a human story — individuals, families, and communities whose lives are shaped by these decisions. Making these processes understandable and inclusive is essential to ensuring that health priorities truly reflect the needs of the people.
To support this shift, HENNET is working to break down technical barriers, strengthen capacity for meaningful engagement, and support evidence-based submissions from civil society. This approach moves advocacy beyond simply calling for increased resources. Instead, it focuses on shaping smarter, people-centered, and equitable health policies that respond to the realities faced by communities across Kenya.
The evolving role of civil society in shaping Kenya’s health system is both encouraging and inspiring. Civil society organizations are no longer only advocating for inclusion; they are helping define what meaningful inclusion looks like. Through evidence-driven participation and constructive engagement, they are contributing to a health system that is efficient, transparent, and accountable to the people it serves.
As this journey continues, HENNET remains committed to strengthening civil society participation, promoting evidence-informed decision-making, and ensuring that Kenya’s health system delivers equitable and impactful outcomes for all.
By: Joy Gacheri (Communication and Media Ass)