Advancing Community Research in Rural Communities
Project Summary
For too long, health research, particularly household surveys, has been designed and implemented from a top-down approach. Communities must play a leading role in the research process, as they are best positioned to identify challenges and solutions that are relevant to their context. Lwala Community Alliance’s tri-annual Lwala Household Survey (LHS) tracks health and well-being indicators over time. Through this project, Lwala will engage diverse knowledge communities including community members, marginalized groups, Lwala staff, researchers, and government officials throughout the LHS research cycle: from design and implementation to analysis and knowledge. Lwala will host inclusive workshops, co-analyse data, and gather feedback to inform the 2028 LHS. The project will deliver a knowledge-sharing framework, learning reports, a draft manuscript, and a knowledge management platform. This will deepen impact and promote equity, inclusion, and collaboration in the organization’s research. Project findings t will be shared nationally and globally.
Organisation Snapshot
Founded by a group of committed Kenyans, Lwala Community Alliance unlocks the potential of communities to advance their own comprehensive well-being. Lwala trains community health workers to bring services closer to their communities, strengthens community-led accountability mechanisms, and improves the quality of care at health facilities. Underpinned by data-driven solutions and policy & advocacy, Lwala ensures that when communities lead, change is lasting.
Project Team
Richard Wamai
Project Advisor
Richard Wamai is an esteemed professor of public health at Northeastern University, where he specialises in global health and health systems. Beyond his academic role, Prof. Wamai serves as an advisor, providing oversight and strategic guidance. He is instrumental in shaping the research methodology and ensuring the integration of community-driven approaches. His advisory role will also involve mentoring the research team and helping to translate findings into actionable health policies that can benefit the broader Kenyan population.
Jane Wamae
Project Lead
Jane Wamae is a seasoned public health researcher and program strategist and will be leading the community engaged research project. With over a decade of experience in health systems strengthening, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement, she has shaped impactful interventions across Kenya. Jane brings expertise in mixed-methods research, grant management, and team leadership, driving evidence-based solutions for community health. Her work bridges research and practice, empowering communities and influencing policy at local and global levels.
Sandra Mudhune
Chief Program Officer
Sandra is Lwala’s Chief Program Officer. She is a dynamic public health practitioner with over twenty years of experience in reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health programs across Eastern, Southern, and Central Africa and South East Asia. Her experience spans managing programmes in collaboration with national governments, NGOs, and donors, policy development, health systems strengthening, strategic planning and performance management. Sandra is an insightful, creative and self-directed professional with a meticulous and systematic approach to planning and executing projects.
Sylvia Otieno
External Affairs Analyst
Sylvia serves as an External Affairs Senior Analyst managing a portfolio of diverse funders and partners who fuel Lwala’s impact and growth. Over her 8+ years in international and local nonprofits, Sylvia developed competencies in monitoring and evaluation, project management, and grants management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Towson University and a Master of Public Administration from The George Washington University. Sylvia is passionate about supporting communities to be the drivers of their well-being.
Felix Owino Odero
Research Coordinator- Migori County Government
Felix Owino Odero is a seasoned public health professional with over two decades of experience specializing in environmental health, policy development, sustainable sanitation solutions, and community health leadership. He holds a degree in Environmental Health and is pursuing a Master’s degree to further his expertise in public health. Felix currently serves as the Research and Learning Coordinator for the Migori County Department of Public Health, where he continues to lead evidence-based interventions and coordinate professional development within the health sector.