Navigating institutional complexity in the health sector

Lessons from tobacco control in Kenya

Dados Bibliográficos

ID11490293
AutoresRaphael Lencucha (0000-0002-9273-2027, McGill University, autor correspondente), Peter Magati (0000-0002-1226-8130), Jeffrey Drope (0000-0003-0147-9722, Marquette University)
Ano2016
Volume31
Fascículo10
Páginas1402-1410
Data de publicação2016-12-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoHealth Policy and Planning (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0268-1080 • E-ISSN: 1460-2237
EditoraOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/heapol/czw094
PMID27418654
OpenAlexW2460791610
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas10
Referências citadas40

INTRODUCTION: This research examines the institutional dynamics of tobacco control following the establishment of Kenya's 2007 landmark tobacco control legislation. Our analysis focuses specifically on coordination challenges within the health sector. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with key informants (n = 17) involved in tobacco regulation and control in Kenya. We recruited participants from different offices and sectors of government and non-governmental organizations. RESULTS: We find that the main challenges toward successful implementation of tobacco control are a lack of coordination and clarity of mandate of the principal institutions involved in tobacco control efforts. In a related development, the passage of a new constitution in 2010 created structural changes that have affected the successful implementation of the country's tobacco control legislation. DISCUSSION: We discuss how proponents of tobacco control navigated these two overarching institutional challenges. These findings point to the institutional factors that influence policy implementation extending beyond the traditional focus on the dynamic between government and the tobacco industry. These findings specifically point to the intragovernmental challenges that bear on policy implementation. The findings suggest that for effective implementation of tobacco control legislation and regulation, there is need for increased cooperation among institutions charged with tobacco control, particularly within or involving the Ministry of Health. Decisive leadership was also widely presented as a component of successful institutional reform. CONCLUSION: This study points to the importance of coordinating policy development and implementation across levels of government and the need for leadership and clear mandates to guide cooperation within the health sector. The Kenyan experience offers useful lessons in the pitfalls of institutional incoherence, but more importantly, the value of investing in and then promoting well-functioning institutions.

Business · Economic growth · Economics · Government (linguistics) · Legislation · Mandate · Political science · Public health · Public relations · Tobacco control · Tobacco industry · Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology · Medicine · Policy Transfer and Learning · Public Administration · Smoking Behavior and Cessation