Knowledge Translation & Evidence Synthesis

OUR CORE WORK

What is Knowledge Translation & Evidence Synthesis?

Two sides of the same coin: we find, appraise, and distil the best available evidence — then we make it useful for real-world decision-making.

Evidence Synthesis

We systematically identify, appraise and synthesise existing research to generate reliable, actionable insights. This is the foundation — the rigorous work of knowing what the evidence says.

Knowledge Translation

We move evidence into the hands of those who need it — policymakers, practitioners, and communities — through plain-language summaries, tools, dialogues, and capacity building.

Together, they drive impact

Synthesis without translation stays in journals. Translation without synthesis lacks rigour. We do both — so that evidence actually changes lives.

Research that stays in journals cannot improve lives. We exist to close that gap — from evidence to action, every step of the way.

OUR APPROACH

How we do Knowledge Translation & Evidence Synthesis

We don't just publish reports — we embed translation into every stage of the research cycle, from design to dissemination to uptake.

Co‑design with users

We engage policymakers, practitioners, and community members from the start — defining questions that matter and shaping outputs that are useful from day one.

Systematic Reviews

Comprehensive, transparent reviews that follow strict protocols to answer specific policy or practice questions, minimising bias and ensuring reliability.

Meta‑Analysis

Where appropriate, we use statistical methods to combine data from multiple studies, providing quantitative estimates of effect and precision.

Scoping Reviews

We map the breadth of available evidence on emerging topics, identifying gaps and clarifying concepts to guide future research and investment.

Rapid Evidence Assessments

When urgent decisions are needed — such as during disease outbreaks — we deliver timely, robust syntheses in days, not months.

Plain‑language summaries

We distil complex research into clear, concise summaries — free of jargon — that busy decision‑makers can read and act on in minutes.

Visual storytelling

We use infographics, data visualisations, and one‑pagers to make evidence accessible and memorable, helping audiences grasp key messages quickly.

Stakeholder dialogues

We convene workshops, policy roundtables, and community forums where evidence is discussed, debated, and adapted to local contexts and priorities.

Practical tools & guidelines

We translate research into job aids, checklists, and implementation guides that health workers and programme managers can apply directly in their work.

Capacity building

We train organisations and individuals in evidence‑informed decision‑making, helping them find, appraise, and apply research in their own contexts.

Ongoing technical support

We provide continued advice and support — helping partners interpret evidence, adapt it to changing circumstances, and monitor its use and impact.

Monitoring translation outcomes

We track how evidence is used and what changes as a result — feeding learning back into the research cycle to improve future translation.

IN PRACTICE

What this looks like in practice

Concrete examples of how we've helped partners turn research into action in Kenya.

Evidence brief for county health policy

We worked with a County Health Department to synthesise research on maternal health interventions, producing a 4‑page policy brief that directly informed their strategic plan and budget allocation.

Implementation guide for community health workers

We translated findings from a multi‑site study on community health into a practical, illustrated guide that community health volunteers now use during home visits.

Data dashboard for programme managers

We developed an interactive dashboard that visualises routine health data, helping managers track performance and make evidence‑informed decisions in real time.

Community dialogue on vaccination

We facilitated a series of community engagement sessions where research on vaccine hesitancy was discussed, leading to locally tailored communication strategies.

Systematic review on maternal health

Our systematic review of community‑based interventions for maternal health in rural Kenya synthesised evidence from 34 studies, identifying cost‑effective approaches that have since been integrated into county health strategies.

Scoping review for mental health integration

A scoping review we conducted on mental health services in primary care settings mapped existing models, barriers and facilitators — directly informing a national policy dialogue on expanding mental health coverage.

Rapid response for disease outbreaks

During a recent cholera outbreak, our rapid evidence assessment synthesised existing knowledge on water, sanitation and hygiene interventions within 72 hours, providing critical guidance to the county response team.

WHY IT MATTERS

Why Knowledge Translation & Evidence Synthesis matter for Kenya

Policymakers, health workers, and community leaders face an overwhelming volume of research. Our work distils that volume into what is relevant, trustworthy, and applicable to the Kenyan context.

Better resource allocation

When evidence is clear and accessible, leaders can invest in what works — and stop investing in what doesn't.

More effective programmes

Programmes designed with evidence are more likely to achieve their intended outcomes and reach the people who need them most.

Healthier communities

Ultimately, evidence-to-action means better health outcomes — reduced disease, improved well-being, and stronger communities.

The bottom line

Knowledge translation and evidence synthesis are not academic exercises — they are essential tools for improving health and well-being in Kenya. By making evidence usable, we empower decision-makers at every level to act with confidence, clarity, and impact.