ABSTRACT
The need for evidence-informed policymaking, an approach to policymaking in which policymakers consider the best available research evidence in the policymaking process is important more than ever. There has been a growing effort by African experts in the research-to-policy landscape to link policy-relevant research with policymaking processes. Playing the communication and knowledge broker role is riddled with challenges. In fact, different policies require different political relationships. For instance, Kenya’s Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy of 2015 has suffered major drawbacks in terms of coordinating some of the cross-sectoral policy recommendations. Conversations on the role of evidence in policymaking have evolved significantly in the past decade, and continue to evolve. For experts working in this field, more effort is needed to generate knowledge on what works, for whom, and in what contexts. Proper framing of suggested solutions is critical in effectively communicating research to policymakers.
