The Kiambu Health department is preparing a bill to provide a monthly stipend for community health volunteers.
The county's 3,085 CHVs have not been receiving any cash as they are not formally recognised by county laws. The Community Health Services Bill will now factor in their pay.
Health executive Joseph Murega on Thursday said the volunteers have been at the forefront of fighting Covid-19 and other diseases, but a lack of a legal framework means they cannot be paid. He spoke in Kikuyu during the launch of the Nderi community health unit.
"With great efforts from Governor James Nyoro, we have gone further to put up structures, which will help them be recognised in one way or another. We cannot fulfil universal health coverage without a legal structure to handle the community health services," Murega said.
Murega said the county recognises the crucial role of the CHVs and provide them with comprehensive health kits that comprise digital thermometers, weighing scales, paracetamols, Zinc sulphate and a blood pressure testing machine to enable them to respond to patients suffering from non-communicable diseases.
"Volunteers play a major role at the grassroots in offering health services and education to residents. They include medical outreach programmes like vaccinations, sensitisation and maternal healthcare (antenatal and postnatal services)."
Nderi CHVs took the initiative to empower themselves and bought a multipurpose vehicle through their own savings. They have started income-generating projects.
Earlier, Governor Nyoro said fewer patients would visit health facilities if the work of CHVs is appreciated and supported.
In neighbouring Nairobi county, each of more than 6,000 CHVs receives a monthly stipend of Sh3,000 and health insurance cover. This was made possible by the Nairobi City County Community Health Services Act, 2019.
