Bridging the Gap for Effective Staff Training Management in the Public Sector: Reviewing the Critical Role of Training Evaluation at the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF)

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of training interventions at Tanzania’s National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), with particular emphasis on training evaluation mechanisms, the adequacy of evaluation tools, and the extent to which evaluation
results are integrated into organisational decision-making. The study was conducted at the NHIF Dodoma and Dar es Salaam Regional Offices and adopted a qualitative research approach. Data were collected from 15 managers and supervisors and 40 technical staff through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary review. Data collection procedures were ethically guided, validated, and triangulated, while data analysis was conducted using thematic content analysis. The findings reveal that NHIF largely relies on informal, ad hoc training evaluation practices, with minimal application of systematic evaluation models, such as Kirkpatrick’s framework. Key challenges identified include inadequate post-training follow-up, excessive reliance on self-reported outcomes, and limited utilisation of evaluation findings to inform future training programmes and organisational decisions. The study concludes that the existing training evaluation system at NHIF is fragmented and insufficiently aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives. The study therefore recommends adopting comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation frameworks to enhance accountability, support continuous improvement, and strengthen the linkage between training interventions and organisational performance.