Assessing Health Facility Readiness and Capacity for Digitization in Western Kenya: A Mixed-Methods Approach
1
Community Health and Development, Tropical Institute of Community Health and Development, Kisumu, Kenya
2
Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
3
University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
4
Public Health and sanitation, Ministry of Health, Siaya County, Kenya
5
Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Kisumu County, Kenya
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1840
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The digitalisation of healthcare data is increasingly recognised as a key strategy for strengthening health systems by improving data quality, accessibility, and use. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Kenya, health data are often recorded manually, contributing to inefficiencies and delays in decision-making across service levels. The study aimed to understand the readiness and capacity of health facilities to use digital health data systems and gaps in data digitisation, analysis, and use of data in Siaya and Kisumu Counties in western Kenya.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six sub-counties of Siaya and Kisumu Counties. The study targeted health facility in-charges, heads of maternity and immunisation services and records officers. Primary data were collected using a modified service availability and readiness tool. A total of 125 facilities (Kisumu 56, Siaya 69) were assessed, and key informants (n=23) were interviewed. Descriptive analysis was performed, and qualitative findings were used to explain quantitative findings.
RESULTS:
The availability of human resources revealed significant disparities between facility levels. Overall, 29% of facilities had at least one HRIO. The shortage was most critical in lower levels (levels 2 and 3), with 60.9% of facilities operating without dedicated records personnel. Most facilities had computers (74.3%) and data capture devices (80.0%), but fewer had internet access (40.0%), data storage devices (28.7%) and analytics software (25.7%). Electronic records for maternal services in Kisumu were at 25% (14) and 15% (11) in Siaya.
CONCLUSIONS:
Findings highlighted systemic constraints, concentration of trained HRIOs at higher-level facilities, inadequate training in data analysis and use, and task-shifting of data responsibilities to overburdened clinical staff at lower levels. Digitisation efforts were largely donor-funded, resulting in inconsistent availability of hardware and software, limiting sustainability. A weak culture of data use across health system levels constrained the translation of data into timely action.
The digitalisation of healthcare data is increasingly recognised as a key strategy for strengthening health systems by improving data quality, accessibility, and use. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Kenya, health data are often recorded manually, contributing to inefficiencies and delays in decision-making across service levels. The study aimed to understand the readiness and capacity of health facilities to use digital health data systems and gaps in data digitisation, analysis, and use of data in Siaya and Kisumu Counties in western Kenya.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six sub-counties of Siaya and Kisumu Counties. The study targeted health facility in-charges, heads of maternity and immunisation services and records officers. Primary data were collected using a modified service availability and readiness tool. A total of 125 facilities (Kisumu 56, Siaya 69) were assessed, and key informants (n=23) were interviewed. Descriptive analysis was performed, and qualitative findings were used to explain quantitative findings.
RESULTS:
The availability of human resources revealed significant disparities between facility levels. Overall, 29% of facilities had at least one HRIO. The shortage was most critical in lower levels (levels 2 and 3), with 60.9% of facilities operating without dedicated records personnel. Most facilities had computers (74.3%) and data capture devices (80.0%), but fewer had internet access (40.0%), data storage devices (28.7%) and analytics software (25.7%). Electronic records for maternal services in Kisumu were at 25% (14) and 15% (11) in Siaya.
CONCLUSIONS:
Findings highlighted systemic constraints, concentration of trained HRIOs at higher-level facilities, inadequate training in data analysis and use, and task-shifting of data responsibilities to overburdened clinical staff at lower levels. Digitisation efforts were largely donor-funded, resulting in inconsistent availability of hardware and software, limiting sustainability. A weak culture of data use across health system levels constrained the translation of data into timely action.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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