Use of Routine Health Data by County Health Management Teams in Kenya: Evidence from a Quasi-experimental Study

Abstract

Strengthening the use of routine health information is an essential element of effective health system governance in Kenya. Although the country has invested substantially in digital reporting platforms such as District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2), the integration of Routine Health Data into managerial planning and monitoring activities remains inconsistent across counties. County Health Management Teams (CHMTs) often meet reporting obligations but do not always translate the available information into evidence informed programme adjustments or performance review processes. This study examined the extent to which CHMTs use routine data in their decision making and assessed whether a structured capacity building programme could strengthen data use practices at the subnational level. A quasi-experimental approach supported by a Difference in Differences model was applied. Twelve counties were selected from the national regional economic blocs, with two chosen from each and allocated to either the intervention or control arm. Baseline data were collected from two hundred CHMT members in August 2024, followed by a nine-month intervention that involved targeted training sessions and continuous technical support. Endline data collection took place in April 2025. A key limitation of the study was the reliance on self-reported measures which may have been influenced by social desirability tendencies. The analysis produced a statistically significant treatment effect with a coefficient of 0.4593 and a p value of 0.0046. CHMTs in the intervention counties demonstrated notable improvements in incorporating routine data into programme monitoring policy development and adjustment of ongoing interventions. These shifts were not observed in the control counties. Further, subgroup analyses showed no statistically significant differences across gender, education level, age, or duration of CHMT membership. The findings indicate that structured capacity building initiatives can meaningfully strengthen routine data use among CHMTs. Sustaining these gains will require continued investment in analytical competencies and the institutionalization of routine evidence review processes within the devolved health sector.