THE INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY (TISA)

The County Government of Vihiga has today received two reports from The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA): the Community Score Card (CSC) Report on Health and A Citizen Shadow Audit Report of the VTRH Hospital Plaza. These reports were officially handed over at Sosa Cottages to the County Government of Vihiga team led by H.E. Wilberforce Kitiezo – Deputy Governor Vihiga County who was accompanied by Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

In his address, the deputy governor lauded the initiative, noting that both the county executive and assembly would ensure that all the findings and recommendations were implemented. He also highlighted that 38.8% of the county’s workforce is currently dedicated to the health sector, a commitment aimed at enhancing service delivery. Additionally, Deputy Governor Kitiezo emphasized that Governor Wilber Otichillo’s administration would ensure the completion of the VTRH Hospital Plaza by mid-2026.

The two reports were developed by TISA with support from Uraia Trust and the Royal Danish Embassy (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark in Kenya). The assessment was done in five sub-counties at Sabatia, Hamisi, Emusire, Luanda, and Lyanaginga hospitals. The Citizen Shadow Audit of the VTRH Hospital Plaza was carried out by the Social Accountability Champions.

The Community Score Card process generated several recommendations to improve healthcare services. These include strengthening human resources for health, improving the supply chain and availability of essential medicines, upgrading health infrastructure and equipment, institutionalizing the CSC process within health sector planning, enhancing citizen engagement and communication, clarifying facility categorization and standards, and strengthening accountability and oversight structures.

Since 2021, TISA has been working in Vihiga County to promote citizen empowerment, social accountability, participatory governance, and capacity building to ensure that citizens’ rights are respected and that duty bearers are held accountable.

The launch was also attended by key county officials, including the Chair of the Health Committee Dr. Fredrick Mavisi; the CECM for Health Nicholas Kitungulu; the CECM for Public Service Management and ICT Dr. Nicholas Mwandihi; TISA’s Head of Programs Alexander Riithi; Uraia Trust Executive Director Oliver Waindi; and TISA Vihiga County Coordinator Shilla Maloba, among others.