The government has announced the release of Sh3 billion to compensate Community Health Promoters (CHPs) nationwide.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua lauded the over 107,000 CHPs, recognizing their significant contribution to the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Speaking during the release of funds at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi, Gachagua commended the CHPs as “unsung heroes” and highlighted their crucial role in delivering healthcare services directly to communities.
“This is the first administration to address your plight and recognize you. We appreciate your sacrifice and commitment to help the people,” he said, acknowledging the historic move by President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration to remunerate community health workers.
The stipend, intended to motivate CHPs, is part of efforts to acknowledge their essential role in the public health sector. Each promoter has been equipped with a smartphone and specialized kits, facilitating data collection through an electronic community health information system (E-CHS), according to Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.
Gachagua emphasized the importance of collaboration between the national and county governments in sustaining the initiative. “Quality healthcare is not a favor to the people. It is a constitutional right which we must fulfill together,” he stated.
Since the deployment of CHPs four months ago, they have reached approximately 2.7 million households, benefiting an estimated 13.5 million Kenyans. The program aims to provide essential health services, including prenatal care, immunization, nutrition education, and treatment of common illnesses, thereby reducing the financial burden on Kenyans due to healthcare expenses.
World Health Organization Representative Abdourahmane Diallo praised the government’s initiative, stating that the payment of stipends would enhance the sustainability of the program and contribute to improving healthcare access across the country.
