This is a new Department recommended for creation in view of the devolution of health services functions to Local Governments. As health services are managed/delivered at two Government levels, there is need for a function at Central Level to coordinate health sector matters between the two Governments and liaising with various Departments of the Ministry on specific issues. This is meant to cover operational gaps and inefficiencies that may arise due to separated responsibilities between the two Governments to improve healthcare service outcomes in the country. In addition, the Department will provide linkage to the Head of Health Services and the Heads of the District Health Management Teams (DHMTs) as well as facilitating, coordinating and harmonising technical support from the central level to the DHMTs. Thus the Department accords the Ministry a platform for enforcing and monitoring implementation of national health policy, standards and protocols.
Purpose
The purpose of the Department is “To coordinate health sector intergovernmental matters”
Functions
To achieve this purpose, the Department carries out the following two functions:
Coordination of intergovernmental (Central & Local) health sector
Background
The Intergovernmental Coordination function is established to facilitate effective collaboration, coordination, and alignment of health sector policies, strategies, and programs across all levels of care at primary and secondary level. The function plays a pivotal role in promoting unity and collaboration between the national Ministry of Health and local government entities in line with the principles of decentralization, equity, and good governance. This is in line with the recommendations from a situation analysis which was conducted involving some directorates and some local government entities.
Purpose
To ensure structured, consistent, and effective coordination within the health sector by harmonizing health priorities, programs, and partner activities between national and district levels, thereby enhancing service delivery, policy implementation, resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement for equitable and efficient health outcomes.
Objectives
- Strengthening collaboration and communication between the national and subnational governments in the health sector.
- Enhance Partner Coordination
- Ensure alignment of national health policies, programs and priorities with district implementation plans.
- Facilitate joint planning, monitoring, and evaluation between levels of government.
- Promote harmonized and inclusive decision-making processes across all levels.
- Strengthen resource mobilization at council level in consultation with planning departments
- Strengthen Stakeholder Engagement
Key Functions and Responsibilities
Key functions include:
- Serving as the focal point for intergovernmental health-related issues.
- Supporting coordinating between ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and local authorities.
- Encouraging participation and feedback from communities, development partners, and other stakeholders to improve responsiveness and service delivery.
- Providing feedback to local authorities on health-related issues.
- Facilitating effective collaboration and accountability among health sector implementing partners operating at district levels.
- Establishing and maintaining structured platforms and processes for regular coordination between national and district health authorities.
- Monitoring alignment of district health plans, activities, and resources with national policies, strategies, and priority areas.
- Identifying capacity gaps at the district level and recommend interventions.
- Facilitating training and mentoring programs addressing gaps in leadership and governance affecting service delivery at district level.
- Promoting best practices and knowledge sharing in leadership and governance among districts and regions
- Providing periodic reports and policy briefs to senior leadership on coordination issues and progress.
- Promoting equitable allocation of resources across districts based on needs and performance.
- Engaging partners and donors to support decentralized health initiatives.
Stakeholder Engagement
The function facilitates the engagement with:
- Ministry of Local Government
- District Health Management Teams (DHMTs)
- District Councils
- Civil society organizations
- Community health governance structures
- Development partner.
- Other relevant sectors (e.g., Education, Water, Gender Unity and Culture, Youth)
The management of intergovernmental affairs
Background
The Intergovernmental Affairs function was established to act as a bridge enhancing collaboration and decision-making between the Ministry of Health, local government authorities, and other health sector stakeholders. It coordinates intergovernmental consultations and supports the implementation of resolutions and decisions made by the Health Sector Intergovernmental Forum. The division further strengthens the capacity of Councils through training, technical assistance, and institutional support to improve their performance in delivering health services. By strengthening structured dialogue and shared accountability, the division advances the principles of decentralization, equity, and good governance, ensuring more responsive, coordinated, and effective health service delivery.
Purpose
To strengthen collaboration and coordination between the 2 different levels of government (MOH and councils). It ensures effective consultations, leadership and governance, harmonized implementation of decisions, and enhanced capacity of Councils to deliver quality health services through technical assistance and institutional support.
Objectives
- Coordinate intergovernmental and health sector consultations.
- Facilitate the implementation and monitoring of resolutions and decisions made by the Health Sector Intergovernmental Forum.
- Strengthen the institutional and technical capacity of Councils through targeted capacity-building initiatives.
- Provide technical assistance and guidance to Councils for improved service delivery, and accountability.
- Ensure effective leadership and governance in the councils
Key functions and responsibilities
The Intergovernmental Affairs function includes:
- Arrangement and management of meetings between central government and local councils to discuss health matters.
- Ensure that the agreements made in the Health Sector Intergovernmental Forum are put into action.
- Organize training and skill development on leadership and governance for local council health staff and community structures.
- Ensure councils receive the necessary expert support, tools, and resources from the central government or partners.
- Ensure functional leadership and governance structures in health at the council level.
- Be involved in council related matters, like dispute resolution, recruitments, postings and promotions.
Stakeholder engagement
The division will engage with:
- Ministry of Local Government
- District Health Management Teams (DHMTs)
- District Councils
- Civil society organizations.
- Community health governance structures
- Development partners
