Community Health Promoters( CHPs) in Nairobi will soon smile all the way to the bank after Governor Johson Sakaja announced that plans are on course to hike their pay.
Formerly Community Health Volunteers will have their monthly stipend increased from the current Sh3,500 to Sh6,000.
However, under the proposed new pay, the health promoters will be deducted Sh500 for the National Hospital Fund(NHIF), taking home Sh5,500.
The county's 7,460 CHPs had not been receiving any cash as they were not formally recognised by county laws.
Sakaja said the Community Health Services Bill factored their pay and issued letters of engagement.
''The Community Health Promoters (CHPs) from the county will receive Sh5,500 every month after a deduction of Sh500 for NHIF,'' Sakaja said.
The county has an intergovernmental agreement with the national government that will see President William Ruto's administration top up with Sh2,500.
Nairobi County has also established 120 community health desks that are managed by CHPs.
Sakaja announced the pay hike on Monday at Baba Dogo Primary School where he commissioned the Dishi na County school feeding programme.
According to Sakaja, the volunteers form a critical base of the health system that covers all households in the county.
"When I came into the office, CHPs were not receiving their stipend, but I have ensured that they get paid sh3,500 monthly and plans are underway to remunerate to Sh6,000," Sakaja said.
"I appreciate the work being done by the health volunteers, engage with our people and address the challenges they face while promoting primary healthcare at the grassroots" he added.
The governor said he was impressed by the improved sanitation at the community level which is spearheaded by CHVs.
"Because of their work, we now see improved latrine coverage and reduction of diarrhoeal diseases," Sakaja added.
