SBCC Consultant in Kenya, Based in Nairobi

Why work with an SBCC consultant in Kenya

Kenya has one of the most active development and public health sectors in Africa. National ministries, 47 county governments, UN agencies, international NGOs, local organizations and private companies all run programs that depend on people changing behavior or using services.

A Nairobi-based SBCC consultant in Kenya brings two things that remote teams struggle to match: knowledge of local context and the ability to be in the field quickly. We understand how counties plan and budget, how community health structures work, and how culture, language and media habits vary from the coast to the north and the lake region.

For any SBCC consultant in Kenya, that context shapes everything, from the questions we ask in formative research to the channels we choose and the way we train frontline workers.

Understanding the Kenyan context

Working as an SBCC consultant in Kenya means responding to a few realities:

• Devolution. Counties lead much service delivery, so strategies must fit county plans and community health systems.
• Diversity. Urban, peri-urban, rural and pastoralist communities have very different lives, needs and channels.
• Media habits. Vernacular radio, mobile phones, WhatsApp and social media all matter, but reach varies by region, age and gender.
• Community health. Community health promoters and local leaders are often the most trusted messengers.
• National guidance. Programs should align with Ministry of Health policies and strategies, available from the Kenya Ministry of Health.

SBCC services in Nairobi and across Kenya

As an SBCC consultant in Kenya we offer the full program cycle, delivered by a core team with trusted local associates:

• Formative research and KAP surveys, including county-level studies
• SBCC strategies and campaigns for national and county programs
• Message development and pretesting in English, Kiswahili and local languages
• Training and workshops for county teams, health workers and NGO staff
• Monitoring and evaluation of SBCC programs

Sectors we support in Kenya

• Health

  Immunization, family planning, maternal health, malaria, HIV and TB. See health communication.

• Nutrition

  Maternal, infant and young child nutrition. See SBCC for nutrition.

• WASH

  Hygiene, sanitation and safe water. See WASH behavior change.

• Climate and agriculture

  Climate-smart farming and resilience in arid and semi-arid counties.

• Gender and social norms

  Gender equality and GBV prevention approaches.

• Emergencies

  Outbreak and drought response through RCCE.

How we work with Kenyan partners

As an SBCC consultant in Kenya, we work as a partner, not just a supplier. That means involving county and community stakeholders early, building local capacity as we go, and leaving teams with tools they can keep using after our contract ends.

We are comfortable working directly for donors and UN agencies, as a technical partner within an INGO consortium, or as a sub-consultant to a larger firm. Our work with us page explains how we respond to ToRs, EOIs and requests for proposals.

[PLACEHOLDER: add examples of Kenyan counties and programs once case studies with client permission are available.]

Working across Kenya's counties

Kenya's 47 counties differ greatly in population, livelihoods, health systems and culture. An SBCC consultant in Kenya needs to plan for that diversity. A campaign that works in Nairobi's informal settlements may not suit pastoralist communities in Turkana or Marsabit, or fishing communities along Lake Victoria.

We adapt research samples, languages, channels and activities to each county. We engage county health management teams, county departments of agriculture, water and gender, and sub-county officers early, so that the strategy fits local plans and has local ownership. Where programs cover several counties, we design a common core and local variations.

We also work closely with community health structures, including community health promoters and community health committees, who are often the backbone of SBCC delivery at household level.

Language and media in Kenya

English and Kiswahili reach most Kenyans, but many people prefer to receive information in their first language, especially on sensitive topics. Vernacular radio stations have large and loyal audiences. Mobile phone and mobile money use is widespread, and WhatsApp groups play an important role in families and communities.

As an SBCC consultant in Kenya, we test messages in the languages people actually use and check translations with native speakers from the target area. We combine mass media, digital and interpersonal channels based on audience research, not assumptions.

Who we work with in Kenya

Our clients and partners in Kenya can include national ministries and agencies, county governments, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, research institutions, social enterprises and private companies with social goals. [PLACEHOLDER: list actual clients only with permission.] Whatever the client, our aim is the same: practical, evidence-based SBCC that changes behavior and can be sustained locally.

If you are looking for an experienced team, or for an SBCC consultant in Kenya for a specific assignment, roster or long-term partnership, we would be glad to talk.

Aligning with Kenyan policy and systems

Programs in Kenya are expected to align with national and county policies, strategies and guidelines, including health promotion and community health policies. An experienced SBCC consultant in Kenya will review these documents early, involve the relevant technical working groups and follow approval processes for materials. We also plan for sustainability from the start, so that county teams and community health structures can continue activities after a project ends.

Talk to an SBCC consultant in Kenya

Planning a program, writing a ToR or looking for a local partner? Contact our Nairobi team or read about our methodology.