How Policies Actually Get Made: Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework

Policymaking might seem unpredictable—sometimes, issues linger for years with no action, while other times, change happens almost overnight. But there’s a pattern to it, and Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) helps explain how policies move forward.

I first learned about this in my public policy classes, but now, working on the ground, I see it happening in real time. Kingdon explains that for a policy to be adopted, three key things must align:

1️⃣ The Problem – The issue must be recognized as urgent. A crisis, public pressure, or compelling data often push it to the forefront. Policymakers may be aware of many problems, but only those that gain enough attention and urgency have a real chance of being addressed. In Kilifi County, public health and sanitation challenges, including inadequate waste management and access to clean water, highlighted an urgent need for reform.

2️⃣ The Solution – A well-developed policy or legal framework must be ready to address the issue. Having a feasible and implementable solution is crucial because, without a clear way forward, even widely acknowledged problems can remain unresolved. As a consultant, I worked on developing the Kilifi County Public Health & Sanitation Policy and Bill to provide a structured approach to addressing these challenges. The document outlined clear regulatory frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and sustainable strategies for sanitation management.

3️⃣ The Politics – The timing must be right. Political support, leadership backing, and public opinion play a crucial role. Elections, changes in government leadership, shifting political alliances, or even media attention can create the right environment for a policy to gain traction. In Kilifi, the commitment from key government leaders and engagement with various stakeholders, including community representatives and advocacy groups, helped push the policy forward.

When these three streams come together, a policy window opens—creating the perfect opportunity for action. If they don’t align, even the best ideas can stall.

What makes this framework so powerful is that it explains why some well-researched, necessary policies fail to take off while others seem to move forward rapidly. It highlights the importance of timing, persistence, and strategic engagement in the policymaking process.

I have seen firsthand how policies evolve through these streams, sometimes requiring years of groundwork before the right moment arrives. The Kilifi County Public Health & Sanitation Policy and Bill is a testament to this process. From identifying key issues to drafting solutions and securing political buy-in, it has been a journey that reflects the real-world application of Kingdon's framework.

For those working in policy, legal reform, or governance, understanding Kingdon’s framework is invaluable. It reminds us that policymaking isn’t just about having good ideas; it’s about positioning those ideas at the right time, with the right backing, and with ready-to-implement solutions.