Effectiveness of Competency Leadership Training on Health Systems Performance among Health Management Teams in Selected Healthcare Facilities in Busia County, Kenya.

Osiyel Daniel Edwin; Emma Kabeu; Edna Nyang'echi Nyanchama; Jackson Mulwa; Nancy Wanjiku

doi:10.51168/v6800h48

Authors

Osiyel Daniel Edwin PUBLISHER , Department of Health management and Informatics, Kenyatta University
Dr. Emma Kabeu Supervisor , Department of Health management and Informatics, Kenyatta University
Dr. Nyang’echi Edna Nyanchama Supervisor , Department of Health management and Informatics, Kenyatta University
Jackson Mulwa Department of Health management and Informatics, Kenyatta University
Nancy Wanjiku Department of Health management and Informatics, Kenyatta University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/v6800h48

Keywords:

Cognitive Competencies, health systems performance, health leadership training, Health Management Teams, Health Systems

Abstract

Background:

Healthcare leadership is essential for improving health system performance. This study assessed the effect of competency-based training on healthcare leaders, including both clinical and non-clinical leaders, in Busia County. The intervention focused on strengthening cognitive competency among health managers, particularly younger leaders who required leadership skills development.

Methods:

An intervention study design was used in Busia County. Eight health facilities were purposively selected, and Health Management Team members were sampled using census sampling. Intervention and control groups were randomly selected from the sampled facilities. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule. The tool was pilot-tested and pre-tested to ensure reliability and validity. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and Fisher’s Exact Test at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.

Results:

Gender had no significant influence on health system performance. Age, however, significantly influenced performance, with participants aged 31–40 years performing better than those below 30 years. The intervention led to a significant improvement in performance, with the mean score increasing from 13.31 in the pre-test to 15.58 in the post-test. Competency-based training improved health system performance among healthcare leaders in Busia County.

Conclusion:

Age influenced performance, while gender did not have a meaningful effect. Health systems should prioritize competency-based leadership training for both clinical and non-clinical managers, with particular attention to younger leaders who may benefit most from structured leadership development.

Author Biographies

Osiyel Daniel Edwin, PUBLISHER, Department of Health management and Informatics, Kenyatta University

is a health systems researcher specializing in health leadership and health management. His research interests include competency-based leadership training and health system performance improvement.
Dr. Emma Kabeu, Supervisor, Department of Health management and Informatics, Kenyatta University

is a scholar in public health and health systems management with expertise in health leadership, capacity building, and health service delivery improvement. She is actively involved in teaching, research, and supervision in health-related disciplines.
Dr. Nyang’echi Edna Nyanchama, Supervisor, Department of Health management and Informatics, Kenyatta University

is a researcher in public health and health systems with interests in health policy, management, and evidence-based interventions aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery.
Jackson Mulwa, Department of Health management and Informatics, Kenyatta University

is a health systems practitioner and researcher with experience in health program implementation, management, and capacity building within healthcare settings.
Nancy Wanjiku, Department of Health management and Informatics, Kenyatta University

is a Kenyan academic and health sciences professional and Laboratory Technologist. She is affiliated with the School of Health Sciences, where she contributes to the teaching of health-related courses, laboratory training, and practical instruction for undergraduate students.

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