PURPOSE:
Local implementing partners play a vital role in delivering quality, gender-responsive reproductive health and family planning programs. However, many face challenges including limited technical capacity in delivering high-impact interventions, weak governance, underdeveloped financial systems, and insufficient data-driven decision-making that impede their ability to manage scalable, sustainable programs. To address these gaps, Jhpiego introduced an Organizational Capacity Assessment & Action Planning Tool to systematically evaluate and strengthen local partners across key domains: Leadership & governance Project management Human resources Finance & administration Data use External communication Technical proficiency in gender and family planning This initiative aimed to enhance partner readiness to deliver high-impact interventions, secure sustained funding, and provide equitable, rights-based Reproductive Health and Family Planning programs that align with global donor localization mandate

DISCUSSION:
A longitudinal study (2022–2027) was conducted across four Kenyan counties (Isiolo, Kakamega, Makueni, and Kwale), targeting four Local Implementing Partners with regional representation. The capacity-building intervention included structured mentorship, technical assistance, gender transformational leadership training, financial management coaching, and data-driven decision-making support. Using the Jhpiego tool, baseline and subsequent capacity scores were analysed across key domains. Comparative analysis assessed changes over time and alignment with donor priorities for locally led programming

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Between the baseline (June 2022) and current (June 2025), results indicate strong organizational growth, improved monitoring and evaluation, better service delivery, expanded family planning and SRH uptake, and readiness for direct donor engagement as part of localization efforts. This approach supports the transition from donor-dependent to locally led, community-responsive Reproductive Health and Family Planning service delivery.

KEY MESSAGE:
Investing in tailored capacity-building models equips local organizations to sustainably manage and lead rights-based Reproductive Health and Family Planning programs, advancing both national priorities and global goals for health system localization and resilience Poster session 4 (Group B)