Paper short abstract:

Kenya is undergoing what the World Bank describes as the most ambitious decentralization process. Counties are experiencing chaos as they struggle to form structures including stakeholder forums to coordinate the health function with no or very little guidelines on how this is to be done

Paper long abstract:

One of the structures that existed before March 2013, was the District Health Stakeholder Forum (DHSF). In Malindi subcounty of Kilifi County, where observations of the devolution process are ongoing, we have observed a period of chaos as NGOs, individuals and private agencies that are health oriented, jostle, scramble and compete for stakes at the county. But what are the stakes and why is important to have a stake?

As Kenya navigates the rough and winding road of devolution the former DHSF ceased to have voice as the centre of power, coordination and planning moved from the district to the county. Previously, the members of the forum met monthly with the health managers to discuss the health priorities of the particular district. It is also at this forum that the managers share their budgetary needs for a particular period. The stakeholders then also share what the priorities of their "home" or headquarters are and priority populations and regions. Present at this forum are representatives of these stakeholder organisations and have the authority to speak and make decisions on behalf of the headquarters.

I intend to share experiences of some of the stakeholders of this evolving context of devolution in Malindi Sub County.