We've released Sh3bn to Community Health Promoters – DP

The government says it has released Sh3 billion to pay Community Health Promoters (CHP) across the country.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said that so far, over 13 million Kenyans have directly benefitted from the healthcare services offered by the CHPs who are based in every village in the country.

Gachagua praised the 107,000 CHPs saying they are unsung heroes leading the implementation of a programme key in the achievement of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

"You play a critical role in the success of UHC and you are a critical pillar in this intervention of primary health care. You are the unsung heroes having worked for many years without any administration thinking about you and your welfare," he said.

The DP added that President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration is the first since independence to pay community health workers.

"This is the first administration to address your plight and recognise you. We appreciate your sacrifice and commitment to help the people. The Community Health Promoters are part and parcel of Kenyan communities, they are everywhere, offering critical services," he said.

Gachagua spoke at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi during the release of the funds.

Present were Health CS Susan Nakhumicha, chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Health Dr Robert Pukose, top government officials and partners.

Chuka-Igambang'ombe MP Patrick Munene, who is also the vice chairperson of Parliamentary Committee on Health and Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge were also present.

The DP said the stipend is intended to motivate the CHPs and recognise their vital role in the public health sector.

He said each of the health promoters has already been provided with a smartphone and special kits.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the gadgets have an electronic community health information system (E-CHS) and are being used for collecting health data from communities.

"Safaricom is committed to supporting the Ministry of Health and the whole programme," Ndegwa said.

Gachagua stated that the National Government will be contributing 50 per cent of the stipend while the other half will be paid by county governments.

"We are calling on counties to fulfil and sustain their side of the bargain. Indeed, quality healthcare is not a favour to the people. It is a constitutional right which we must fulfil together. Kenyans care about quality, efficiency and effective service delivery," the DP said.

He added that since the community health promoters were hired and deployed to the villages four months ago (October 2023), they have reached 2.7 million households.

"In under four months, we have touched the lives of at least 13.5 million Kenyans-a 25 per cent reach in personalised health services," he said.

Gachagua said the CHP programme will go a long way in stopping Kenyans from sinking into poverty because of hospital bills.

The World Health Organisation Representative Abdourahmane Diallo,  praised the government for hiring the community health promoters and paying them stipends.

He said the payment will ensure the sustainability of the programme.

The community health promoters are trained to provide health services, including prenatal care, immunisation, nutrition education and treatment of common illnesses.