It was a great honor hosting a stop on the Schwab Foundation’s Kenya Learning Journey- a gathering that brought together more than 30 social innovators from across the globe to explore and experience firsthand how innovation is addressing some of the world’s most pressing problems.
Held at Kasarani Health Centre and co-hosted with our partners at Medtronic LABS and the Nairobi County Department of Health, this immersive experience was more than just a site visit. This was not a passive visit – it was an immersive, and eye-opening experience. Participants engaged directly with Community Health Workers (CHWs), learning how 7,640 community health workers in Nairobi alone serve and provide care for up to 100 households each. They saw how the country’s electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) guides daily work, improves data collection, streamlines referral systems, and strengthens policy decisions.
In 2024, Financing Alliance for Health (FAH) was honored to be awarded as Schwab Foundation Social Innovator – recognized for our work bridging health and finance to build stronger primary health systems.
The CEO of FAH, Dr. Angela Gichaga, reflected on what it means to be a member of the community of social innovators.
“It was quite the honor to have the Financing Alliance for Health named as a Schwab Foundation social innovator... We've historically worked between the sectors of health and finance. It was wonderful to deepen our reach - especially within the private and financial sectors." She added "Being part of this community and having access to platforms like Davos, to innovative finance thinkers, and to the Schwab Foundation’s thought leadership - has not only sharpened our work, it’s helped us see how the world sees our sector."
Working Hand-in-Hand with Nairobi County to Strengthen Community Health
Since 2022, the Financing Alliance for Health (FAH) has proudly partnered with the Nairobi County Department of Health Services to strengthen the community health system and ensure that every household receives care that is accessible, affordable, and effective.
This collaboration is grounded in one goal: to make sure that community health is not just a program, but a fully funded and sustainable part of the county’s health system.
What Have We Been Doing Together?
Together with Nairobi County, FAH has supported the county in several technical and strategic areas:
- We helped develop a five-year Community Health Strategy (2023–2027) that outlines clear goals, costs, and activities needed to strengthen care at the community level.
- We co-created a Community Health Investment Case, which makes a compelling argument for why investing in community health delivers value. The investment case shows that for every 1 shilling invested, the county gets 14 shillings worth of health and economic benefits.
- We supported the county to map out funding gaps, identify where more resources are needed, and helped design fundraising strategies to fill these gaps.
- We trained and guided the county health leadership on health financing and public financial management, so they can better plan, budget, and track health investments.
- We helped set up a Community Health Technical Working Group, which brings together government, partners, and civil society to align efforts and make sure everyone is working toward the same goals.
What Have We Achieved So Far?
- More money for community health:
In 2021, Nairobi allocated KES 313 million for community health. By 2024, this increased to KES 328 million – thanks to strong advocacy and evidence-based planning led by the county government.
- More community health workers (CHWs) supported:
In 2021, there were about 7,460 CHWs recognized by the county. Today, that number has grown to over 7,820 CHWs. Each CHW is responsible for 100 households, providing regular home visits, health education, referrals, and basic services.
- Planning is now smarter and clearer:
The community health strategy is now used to shape the county’s annual work plans and budgets. It helps prioritize what’s needed, plan for resources, and evaluate progress each year.
- Evidence to influence decisions:
The investment case and strategy have been powerful tools for engaging Nairobi’s leadership- both in the Executive (those who prepare the budget) and in the Assembly (those who approve it). This has led to increased budget allocations and policy changes that benefit CHWs.
On a larger scale, since inception, Financing Alliance for Health has helped mobilize over $500 million for health financing across Africa. This day reminded us that innovation doesn’t always look like shiny apps or disruptive tech. Sometimes, innovation is shared space, collective learning, and local leadership.
Read More & Explore Together
- Discover FAH’s role as a highlighted case in The Future is Collective: Advancing Collective Social Innovation to Address Society’s Biggest Challenges, developed by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship in collaboration with its community of collective social innovators, explores how social innovation can unite diverse stakeholders for large-scale social change.
Maya Hayakawa
Maya Hayakawa is a communications strategist and multi-talented media professional with 13+ years’ experience in journalism, branding, and strategic communications. She currently serves as Communications & Brand Specialist at Financing Alliance for Health.
