MDGs Needs Assessment in Kenya

1. MDGs Needs Assessment in Kenya Process, Experiences and Challenges George Anyango Ministry of Planning & National Development

2. The Process and Lessons Getting the Context Right (Technical and Political) • Feb – Apr. 2004: Preparation and adoption of MDGs Needs Assessment Concept Note on the issues, methodology and process within the national context • Securing support for the process both from the political angle and the executive – key people in Government

3. The Process and Lessons… Cont. Strong political support is an imperative • 12th May 2004: Official launch of the MDGs-based planning and budgeting process by Minister for Planning and National Development. • Several high level discussions, with H.E President and Cabinet Ministers. Presence of Prof. Jeffrey Sachs helped in moving the agenda forward.

4. Process and Lessons Cont. • Jan – Mar 2005: Preparation of Cabinet Memorandum on the process • March 2005: Government (Cabinet) decision to mainstream MDGs within the national planning, budgeting and monitoring and evaluation processes. • Sept. 2005 – High level presence at the Summit. Special side event convened by the H.E. President.

5. Process and Lessons Cont. Stakeholder participation is necessary • Mid-May 2004: National Stakeholders workshop to discuss the Concept Paper on the Needs Assessment and agree on the methodology and institutional framework. Joint communiqué issued committing stakeholders to MDG process. • June – October 2004: Series of workshops and consultative group meetings at the sector level to deepen understanding of the methodology of the Needs Assessment, identify interventions and data requirements for the assessments in the different sectors • Assessment work proceeded largely within the framework of the sector working groups – government led but with participation from civil society and private sector.

6. Process and Lessons Cont. You [may] need external consultants/reviewers • October 2004: Commissioning of consultants, with inputs from line ministries, to conduct MDG Needs Assessment studies in all relevant sectors. •  December 2004: Finalization of Needs Assessment studies, submission to stakeholders review, data and information validation and ownership. • February – March 2005: Commissioning of consultants to consolidate sector reports into national report; validation of data by representatives from key ministries; • April – May 2005: Analysis of financing requirements from Needs Assessment and of synergies resulting from multi-sector interventions, development of macro-economic framework for higher-case scenarios necessary to achieve MDGs by KIPPRA, World Bank and IMF

7. Processes and Lessons Cont.  Using every opportunity for publicity • November 2004: High-level Government-Donor consultative Meeting on MDGs convened by Government of Kenya. Joint Communiqué issued in the presence of Prof. Jeffrey Sachs • Several other visits by Prof Sachs helped keeping the MDGs agenda in the headlines • January 2005: National Launch of Global Report “Investing in Development: A Practical Plan to Achieve the MDGs”. Media and other publicity events around the launch • You need MDGs champion(s) at highest level of Government • Media an important ally.

8. Process and Lessons Cont. Ultimately its [mostly] about money • Dec 2004 - Treasury Circular on Budget preparation advocates for more resources for MDG and Core poverty programmes • February 2005: Budget Outlook Paper advocates resource shift to MDGs and core poverty programmes • Budget proposals for the FY 2005/06 reflects expenditure shifts Prioritize and re-prioritize (Living Document) •  From January 2005 – Implementation of Quick Wins begin in earnest in the agriculture sector – “Njaa Marufuku Kenya” initiative. Similar initiatives expected/on-going in health and education sectors.  

9. Challenges • Internalising and adapting the costing models • Lack of/inconsistency of data • Possible unrealistic final cost estimates due to failure to cross-reference between sectors • Failure to apply models to all sectors – no models for gender, environment etc. • Most MDG enablers “costed” using different methodologies. Possible lack of consistency • Mobilization of all stakeholders, especially some of the donors and stakeholders at the sub-national level

10. Challenges Cont. • Taking the process to the sub-national, especially community level • Capacity development at all levels and in all sectors • Alignment of national and sector plans, strategies, and implementation frameworks to the MDGs • Securing adequate resources for meeting the MDGs – improving aid uptake, filling resource gaps, mobilizing all stakeholders etc

11. Important Next Steps • Formulation and implementation of a long-term strategy consistent with the MDGs • Review of the ERS to be aligned to the long-term MDG strategy • Implement the campaign strategy – involving all stakeholders • Effect an M and E system to track and report on progress