HUMAN RESOURCES, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, AND PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTIONS IN EMBU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The health sector plays a significant role in the economic development of a country by improving the livelihoods her citizens. Despite the heavy investment in the health sector by the Kenya government, enjoying the right to health has been a mere dream for many Kenyans across counties. The study sought to investigate the effect of human resources and information technology on 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 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 was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The findings of the study demonstrated that there was a positive and statistically significant effect of human resources and information technology on performance of public health institutions. Policy implications of study findings have been discussed