The Implementation and Effects of Direct Facility Funding in Kenya’s Health Centres and Dispensaries

Direct facility funding (DFF) is an initiative that was developed in response to concern that Ministry of Health funds allocated to districts rarely filter down to the health centres and dispensaries, and that these facilities have also lost revenue due to the reduction in official user fees in 2004. Piloted in Coast Province from late 2005, DFF involved facilities receiving funds for recurrent expenditure directly into their bank accounts. This report presents an evaluation of the implementation and effects of DFF in health centres and dispensaries. The findings in this report are based on data collected between October 2007 and March 2008, about 2 to 3 years after DFF implementation. A structured survey that included an interview with facility in-charges, records review, and outpatient exit interviews was conducted at a random sample of 15 facilities in each of the two purposively selected districts (Kwale and Tana River). In addition, focus group discussions with health facility committee (HFC) members and key informant interviews with in-charges and DHMTs were conducted in a subset of 6 facilities in each district.