Distributors

The vouchers are distributed to the target population by voucher distributors which are either community based organizations, faith based organizations, NGOs (non-governmental organisations) or sub contracted personnel paid on an agreed commission. The Voucher Management Agency (VMA) evaluates applications of potential distributors in accordance with set criteria (see below). Successful applicants are contracted by VMA and subsequently trained on main program features, in particular services covered and accredited health service facilities. Moreover, they are trained to identify eligibility of voucher clients. So far, numerous groups in rural Kisumu, Kitui, Kiambu as well as the informal settlement areas Viwandani and Korogocho in Nairobi, have been contracted and trained for distribution.

A VMA Field Manager was installed in each program district to be able to coordinate cooperation between the distributors, voucher service providers (VSPs) and the other project stakeholders.

Voucher distributors have to meet the following criteria to qualify:

1. Licensing and registration requirements as social marketers or distributors of social services as well as proof of registration and possession of valid business permit.
2. Sufficient administrative and distributive capacity, requisite structures and staffing to enable efficient voucher distribution.
3. Existent networks at disposal of operations and appropriate in targeting poor residents in the selected locations.