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Embrace Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Model in Making Decisions for
Sustainable Development: Do Academia Partnership Matter?
Prof. Siringi EM PhD
Academic Leader for Development Studies Programme
The Management University of Africa
Email esiringi@mua.ac.ke or drsiringi@rediffmail.com
Abstract
In the globalized knowledge economy, recognition of academia’s role in generation of scientific
evidence-based knowledge for prudent decision making process for policy and practice in
development agenda of a country is imperative. Whereas, the constitution of Kenya 2010, the
Universities Act No. 42 of 2012 recognize the role of Universities in achievement of National
Vision 2030, there is little knowledge about integration and adoption of evidence-based practice
(EDP) model in the country development agenda frameworks for sustainable development. This
article seeks to highlight the need to embrace EDP model as a tool to improve and strengthen
decision making for policy and practice as a best practice. Adoption of EDP model will enhance
effective and efficient development policies and plans to transform Kenya into a newly
industrializing, middle-income country. Further, the article recommends that Monitoring and
Evaluation (M&E) as a national reporting system should be embraced in tracking projects and
programs to promote enhancement of accountability, transparency, participation, and inclusion
in the development agenda for Kenya.
Introduction
Evidence-based decision-making approach within the context of development agenda for
sustainable development of a country is significant. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is a model
governments and countries of the world are keen in integrating into country plans and
frameworks for sustainable development. The model EBP is “the conscientious, explicit and
judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions”. Basing practice on research and
evidence requires articulation and acceptance of the evidence. Kenya as a country should not
been left behind. Competency-based approach to structure the development and execution of
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economic action plans and integrated evidence-based practice concepts into the activities in the
development agenda for the Kenya is indeed important. There are some efforts to this direction
evidenced in embracing monitoring and evaluation (M&E) approach though at toddler stage. To
integrate EBP in the government ministries at national and devolved units at county governments
requires careful planning and development of strategies that will address the needs of the
country. Pessimists of the model give controversial argument and allude that evidence-based
practice models are truly not the best ones to invest in. However, development partners and
donors, particularly United Nations (UN) agencies, seem to be coming down heavily in favor of
EBP, but it is still worthwhile to consider both sides of the issue.
SWOT of Economic Status
Considering that Kenya’s national Vision 2030 as a blue print and a national long-term
development policy focuses on transforming Kenya into a newly industrializing, middle-income
country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens by 2030 in a clean and secure
environment. The Vision comprises of three key pillars: Economic; Social; and Political. The
Economic Pillar aims to achieve an average economic growth rate of 10 per cent per annum and
sustaining the same until 2030. The projection of economic growth and development for the
country as captured by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) indicate a modest growth
of 5.5 GDP for 2016 projected to hit a low of 5.3 GDP by the end of 2017. Rising economic
adversities from protracted uncertainty prompted the government to trim its growth forecast for
this year to 5.0%–5.1%, down from 5.5%, on 7 November 2017. World Bank projection reveals
that looking ahead, near-term GDP growth is expected to decelerate to 5.5% in 2017 because of
drought, weak credit growth, security concerns, and a rise in oil prices. Medium-term GDP
growth should rebound to 5.8% in 2018 and 6.1% in 2019 respectively, depending on the
completion of ongoing infrastructure projects, the resolution of slow credit growth, and the
strengthening of the global economy and tourism. The World Bank’s work in Kenya support the
government’s Vision 2030 development strategy, which aims to accelerate sustainable growth,
reduce inequality and manage resources scarcity. Prolonged political deadlock, combined with
the continuation of the government’s interest rate cap on commercial bank lending rates—which
may take more time than anticipated to scrap—will weigh on growth. Focus Economics panelists
forecast GDP growth of 5.3% in 2018, which is down 0.1 percentage points from last month’s
forecast, and projects it rising to 5.8% in 2019.
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EDP Model: Do Academia Partnerships Matter?
The idea of a "gap" between research done by academia and its translation into marketable
products certainly is not new. What is new are the steps some academic institutions and
government of Kenya at national ministries and devolved Units at County government are taking
to bridge that gap. The sustainable Development agenda 2030- SDGs goal 17 stipulates
strengthening the means of implementation and revitalization of the global partnership for
sustainable development. Despite some positive developments in Kenya, a stronger commitment
to partnership and cooperation with universities is needed to achieve the Sustainable
Development Goals. That effort will require coherent policies, an enabling environment for
sustainable development at all levels and by all actors and a reinvigorated Global Partnership for
Sustainable Development. The Universities Act No. 42 of 2012 recognize the critical role
academia play in building capacities, conduct research and partnership work with the industry
and communities to create knowledge and innovations to enhance social economic development.
Further, part 1 (3) of the Act stipulates that universities objective is to advance knowledge
through teaching, scholarly research and scientific investigation; promote private-public
partnership in university education and development. In the discharge of its functions and the
exercise of its powers under this Act, a university shall be guided by the national values and
principles of governance set out under Article 10 of the Constitution, and shall in that regard—
(a) promote quality and relevance of its programmes; (b) enhance equity and accessibility of its
services; (c) promote inclusive, efficient, effective and transparent governance systems and
practices and maintenance of public trust; (d) ensure sustainability and adoption of best practices
in management and institutionalization of systems of checks and balances; and support and
contribution to the realization of national economic and social development.
While examining the EBP model the article emphasizes on the utilization of scientific evidence
from systematic research, integration of expertise, and the best research evidence into the
decision making process for the country’s development agenda. This means that the Government
of Kenya should embrace and unleash potentials of academia, since they are experts with
cumulated experience and education and skills in their areas of specializations.
How the country will unleash academia potentials in development agenda for Kenya
Implementing EBP required a strategic and thoughtful approach based on the current culture in
Kenya. We propose a Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) with universities and research
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institutions to operationalize EBP model at both national and devolved units at county
governments aimed to help Kenya realize her ambitious development of unleashing the country’s
potential for growth and shared prosperity. This is a matter of necessity more than anything else
since there is little knowledge in the country showing evidence of participation and formal
partnerships of academia to make critical decisions for policy and practice in national and
county governments. The articles therefore seeks that EDP is adopted at all levels of government
as a tool for decision making process. Utilization of evidence-based practice models forces
service providers and organizations to think in terms of constantly seeking out new information
and analyzing their pre-existing assumptions. Rather than stagnating in a “this is how it’s always
been done,” mindset, programs and practices are encouraged to evolve and to constantly be
questioning the best way to serve constituents. There is no question that development partners
and donor community/funders are looking for countries that are working with evidence-based
practice models in their development agenda. The United States governmental agencies, in
particular, now have elaborate requirements for funding that often entail the collection of
evidence and demonstrations of how that evidence is being used to improve program quality. If
for no other reason than continued funding, it is important for social service ministries and
devolved units at county governments to assess how they are currently using evidence and
whether there are more opportunities for them to embrace this new trend.
The article also recognizes the role integrated Communication Technology (ICT) technology in
tracking progress of projects and programs implemented in a country for purposes of
accountability of huge investments the government is putting in them – We’ve talked before
about how technology has truly been the catalyst for enabling evidence-based practice models to
come into existence. And yet, many organizations are still working with sub-par technological
systems for case management, service delivery and progress tracking. By switching their thinking
to an evidence-based approach, Ministries of government at national and devolved units at
county level also need to look at how they are using technology and often need substantial
upgrades or improvements. While this can result in a certain amount of hassle during the time
of change, encouraging ministries, devolved units at the county level and service providers to
use the available technology in the broadest way possible can often help them substantially
improve their outcomes, often with significantly less effort. For this reason, re-evaluation, which
is essentially the basis for EBP, helps all of us stay relevant in a time when things are changing
frequently.
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In conclusion
The article sets a base for debate on the need for utilization of scientific evidence from systematic
research, integration of expertise, and the best research evidence for decision making process in
the country’s development agenda. Academia are recognized as key players in capacity building,
data collection, and analysis of disaggregated data for purposes of enhancing policy and practice.
The article also give insights of the importance of Monitoring and evaluation systems to track
programs and projects identified in Kenya’s National Vision 2030 and SGDs initiative for
sustainable development in Kenya. To operationalize the EBP process at National and devolved
units at County Governments, the Government of Kenya need put in place a country strategy to
embrace academia through partnership with research institutions and universities to unleash
their potentials.
