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Evidence‑Informed Policy

Bridging the gap between research and policy decisions. We translate rigorous evidence into actionable policy options that improve health outcomes for all Kenyans.

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DEFINITION

What is Evidence‑Informed Policy?

It is the process of using the best available research evidence, combined with local context, stakeholder values, and political realities, to guide policy decisions. It moves beyond “evidence‑based” to embrace the complexity of real‑world policymaking.

Systematic use of evidence

We synthesise and appraise research from multiple sources — systematic reviews, local studies, and implementation data — to present clear, actionable evidence to policymakers.

  • Rigorous evidence synthesis and gap analysis
  • Contextualisation to local realities and resources
  • Clear communication of uncertainty and trade‑offs

Stakeholder engagement

Policy is made by people. We engage policymakers, implementers, civil society, and affected communities throughout the process to ensure evidence is relevant and actionable.

  • Participatory policy dialogues and roundtables
  • Co‑creation of policy briefs and recommendations
  • Ongoing relationships with decision‑makers
Evidence does not speak for itself. It must be translated, contextualised, and actively brought into the policy space.
— UWRA Approach to Policy Engagement
WHY IT MATTERS

Why evidence‑informed policy?

Without evidence, policy decisions are made on intuition, ideology, or inertia. Evidence‑informed policy leads to better outcomes, more efficient use of resources, and greater public trust.

Better outcomes

Policies grounded in evidence are more likely to achieve their intended goals and avoid unintended harms.

Efficient resource use

Evidence helps prioritise interventions that offer the greatest value for money, reducing waste and maximising impact.

Public trust and accountability

Transparent, evidence‑based decision‑making builds public confidence and holds governments accountable for results.

OUR APPROACH

How we translate evidence into policy

A structured, iterative process that moves from evidence synthesis to policy influence, with continuous learning and adaptation.

📚 1. Evidence Synthesis
→
🗺️ 2. Stakeholder Mapping
→
🤝 3. Policy Dialogue
→
📝 4. Co‑creation of Recommendations
→
📊 5. Monitoring & Evaluation

📚 Evidence Synthesis

We conduct rapid reviews, systematic reviews, and evidence gap maps to identify what is known and what is not. We assess quality and relevance to the policy question.

  • Rapid evidence assessments for timely input
  • Systematic reviews for robust conclusions
  • Gap analysis to highlight research needs

🗺️ Stakeholder Mapping

We identify key decision‑makers, influencers, and implementers. We understand their priorities, constraints, and information needs to tailor our engagement.

  • Power and interest analysis
  • Understanding policy windows and timelines
  • Building relationships before they are needed

🤝 Policy Dialogue

We convene policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and community representatives to discuss evidence and co‑create feasible policy options. These dialogues are structured, facilitated, and action‑oriented.

  • Roundtable discussions and workshops
  • Presentation of evidence in accessible formats
  • Facilitated deliberation on trade‑offs

📝 Co‑creation of Recommendations

Together with stakeholders, we craft clear, actionable policy recommendations. These are presented in policy briefs, memos, and presentations that speak to decision‑makers' needs.

  • Policy briefs with clear options and evidence
  • Infographics and one‑pagers for busy officials
  • Presentation at policy forums and committees

📊 Monitoring & Evaluation

We track the uptake and impact of our policy engagement. We learn from what works and adapt our strategies to increase influence over time.

  • Policy influence metrics and case studies
  • Tracking citations in policy documents
  • Learning loops to refine approaches
OUR PRINCIPLES

Guiding principles for policy engagement

These principles ensure our policy work is credible, ethical, and effective.

Relevance

We focus on policy questions that matter to decision‑makers and are timely. Our evidence is tailored to the policy cycle and decision windows.

Inclusivity

We ensure diverse voices are heard — including those from marginalised communities, frontline health workers, and civil society — to enrich policy design.

Objectivity and transparency

We present evidence fairly, acknowledging uncertainties and competing interpretations. Our methods and sources are transparent and open to scrutiny.

Timeliness

We deliver evidence when it is needed — often in fast‑turnaround formats — to align with policy processes and urgent decision‑making.

Relationship‑based

We invest in long‑term relationships with policymakers, building trust and credibility that enables evidence to be heard and acted upon.

REAL‑WORLD IMPACT

Evidence influencing policy in practice

These examples show how we have successfully translated research into policy decisions that improve health and well‑being.

Maternal Health

Informing national guidelines on antenatal care

We are synthesizing evidence on community‑based antenatal interventions whose findings are to be presented findings to the Ministry of Health. Our policy brief projects to contribute to the revision of national guidelines, incorporating community health worker‑led outreach.

In progress.
Digital Health

Policy brief on telemedicine regulation

With projections of working with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, we plan to develop an evidence‑based policy brief on telemedicine regulation, drawing on international best practices and local implementation data.

Planning.
Mental Health

Evidence for the Mental Health Policy 2023‑2030

We project to contribute to the development of Kenya's national mental health policy by providing evidence on community‑based mental health services, costing, and implementation strategies.

In progress.
Health Financing

Evidence on health insurance coverage for informal sector

We are currently producing a rapid evidence review on mechanisms to increase health insurance coverage among informal workers. The findings will be presented at National stakeholder roundtables in 2027, and projected to inform pilot programmes.

In progress.
ENABLERS

What makes evidence‑informed policy work?

These are the critical ingredients we embed in every policy engagement.

High‑quality policy briefs

Clear, concise, and visually engaging briefs that summarise evidence, present options, and make the case for action — tailored to the audience.

Skilled policy entrepreneurs

We invest in people who understand both evidence and politics — who can navigate policy processes, build coalitions, and seize opportunities.

Strong networks and partnerships

We work collaboratively with government, academia, civil society, and development partners to amplify our influence and ensure evidence is heard.

Flexible, rapid funding

Policy windows are often short. We need funding that allows us to respond quickly with rapid evidence syntheses, briefings, and engagement.

Monitoring and learning

We track policy influence and use the data to improve our strategies. We share lessons with the wider evidence‑to‑policy community.

Communication and media

We use media, social media, and public engagement to build awareness and create demand for evidence‑informed policy among citizens and civil society.

PARTNER WITH UWRA

Translate evidence into policy action

Whether you are a government agency, a parliamentary committee, a civil society organisation, or a research institution, we can help you use evidence to shape better policies. Let's work together to ensure that policy decisions are informed by the best available knowledge.

Partner with us Get in touch