Nyong’o calls for better pay, modern tools for community health promoters

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has urged the national government and development partners to scale up investment in Kenya’s community health workforce.

 Nyong'o said the recent gains in maternal and child health risk stalling if Community Health Promoters (CHPs) continue working without adequate tools, training or fair pay.

 Speaking in Kisumu during the inaugural Community Health Scientific Conference, Nyong’o said the shift to formally integrate CHPs into the country’s health system has already delivered “life-saving and measurable impact.

 He said the model has reduced maternal and newborn deaths and increased the number of women delivering in health facilities.

 The governor added that CHPs have improved referrals at the community level, especially for illnesses such as malaria, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment.

 “These statistics are not just numbers; they represent lives saved, families kept whole and a reduced burden on our tertiary hospitals,” he said.

 Nyong'o noted that CHPs have become a critical link between households and clinics, enabling early diagnosis and treatment in communities that have long been underserved.

 The governor described community health as “the centrepiece of the future of the health of the nation,” citing global examples such as Cuba, where strong community-based systems drive national health outcomes.

 However, he warned that progress made through the new community health model could be undermined if CHPs are not adequately supported.

 Nyong’o said the three urgent priorities are provision of modern medical and digital tools, continuous training especially on non-communicable diseases such as cancer and dignified remuneration.

  “CHPs cannot fight 21^st century diseases with 20^th century tools,” he said, adding that the health workers deserve fair compensation for the “demanding, time-intensive and life-saving work” they do daily.

 Nyong’o challenged policymakers, donors and health stakeholders attending the conference to use the platform to forge new partnerships and commit to strengthening grassroots health systems.

 The forum brought together community health workers, researchers, development partners and health professionals under the theme, reimagining community health practice, innovations, partnerships and equity towards achieving universal health coverage

 Addressing CHPs directly, the governor praised them as “the heartbeat of UHC” and assured them of his full support.

  “In the Governor of Kisumu, you have an ally, one who will walk with you through policy change, resource mobilisation and the fight to ensure your dignity and vital role are recognised and protected,” he said.

 The conference was aimed at showcasing research findings, innovations and policy proposals that could shape Kenya’s community health strategy in the coming years.