STRENGTHENING PUBLIC VALUE OF HEALTH RESEARCH THROUGH STRATEGIC SCIENCE COMMUNICATION IN KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the study: Health research in Kenya continues to generate valuable scientific evidence, yet its translation into public understanding, policy action, and community health practices remains uneven. Hence, this study examined how science communication can enhance the societal value of health research and identifies strategies that can support meaningful engagement between researchers and diverse publics.
Methodology: Using a desktop review approach, the study synthesizes peer-reviewed research, institutional publications, conference proceedings, and communication initiatives documented between 2018 and 2025.
Findings: Analysis reveals growing interest in public engagement and increased institutional investments in communication capacity; however, gaps persist in audience segmentation, language accessibility, communication planning, and sustained funding.
Conclusion: The study concludes that embedding communication into the research cycle, rather than treating it as an end-stage activity, is essential for enhancing trust, policy uptake, and community participation in health research.
Recommendations: The study recommends an integrated Community-Centered Science Communication (CCSC) Framework, which emphasizes co-creation with communities, multi-platform dissemination, culturally grounded messaging, and structured partnerships between scientists, journalists, policymakers, and civil society actors.
Keywords: Science communication, public engagement, Health research translation, Kenya, Evidence use, Knowledge mobilization.
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