FINANCIAL RESOURCES, PHYSICAL RESOURCES AND PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTIONS IN EMBU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Kenya constitution recognizes health as a fundamental right for all citizens in Kenya. Hence the Kenya government has invested resources heavily in the health sector in order to boost the performance of public health institutions. However, it has been a mere dream for many Kenyans to enjoy healthcare benefits as expected despite government commitment to improve the performance of health sector. The study sought to investigate the effect of financial and physical resources on the performance of public health institutions in Embu County, Kenya. The study used explanatory and descriptive research designs and targeted 550 employees and 769 outpatients drawn from all the five public hospitals in Embu County. The sample size comprised of 165 employees and 232 outpatients. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and an interview guide. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The findings of the study established that there was a positive and a statistically significant effect of financial and physical resources on the performance of public health institutions. Policy implications of these findings have been discussed.