By Cynthia Masibo
The government has today disbursed Sh3 billion to compensate Community Health Promoters (CHP) nationwide, marking a significant milestone in public healthcare. Over 13 million Kenyans have directly benefited from the services provided by the 107,000 CHPs stationed in villages across the country.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua commended the CHPs as unsung heroes in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) during the fund release ceremony held at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi. This administration, under President William Ruto, becomes the first to recognize and remunerate community health workers for their pivotal role in preventive healthcare.
The stipend, aimed at motivating and acknowledging the vital contributions of CHPs, is a joint effort between the National Government and county administrations. Each promoter has also received a smartphone and specialized kits, facilitating the electronic community health information system (E-CHS) for data collection.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, alongside other government officials and partners, emphasized the integral role of CHPs in public health. Furthermore, the Deputy President highlighted the CHPs’ rapid outreach, having touched 2.7 million households within four months since their deployment.
Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo of the World Health Organization praised the government’s initiative, affirming its sustainability. Additionally, the Deputy President cited other governmental successes, such as the reduction in maize flour prices and the stabilization of the Kenya Shilling against the US dollar, attributing these achievements to prudent economic management under President Ruto’s leadership.
