SMS to Reach Remote Health Workers

Capacity Kenya had to manage and communicate with over 700 health workers hired under a rapid hiring plan and deployed to remote villages. Communication needs such as submission of timesheets, payroll-related queries or regarding accountability had to be done by postal mail, costing considerable time, or by landline phones, suffering from expensive and unreliable services. Based on a needs assessments a bulk text messaging system has been piloted, helping to streamline and speed up communication. Improvements include regular, more cost effective communication with staff via SMS, resulting in higher compliance rates in timesheet submission and improved response rates from staff.