The government has disbursed Sh3 billion to compensate Community Health Promoters (CHPs) nationwide, announced Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Over 13 million Kenyans have directly benefited from the essential healthcare services provided by these dedicated CHPs, stationed in every village across the country.

During the funds release event at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi, Deputy President Gachagua lauded the 107,000 CHPs as unsung heroes crucial to the success of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He emphasized, “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.”

Highlighting the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to community health workers, Gachagua remarked, “This is the first administration to address your plight and recognize you. We appreciate your sacrifice and commitment to help the people.” The stipend aims to motivate and acknowledge the vital contributions of CHPs in the public health sector, with each promoter equipped with a smartphone and special kits for efficient health data collection.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa affirmed the company’s support for the Ministry of Health and the program, emphasizing the importance of the electronic community health information system (E-CHS) gadgets provided to the CHPs. Deputy President Gachagua urged county governments to fulfill their 50% contribution towards the stipend, underscoring that quality healthcare is a constitutional right that must be upheld collectively.

The CHP program, initiated four months ago, has already reached 2.7 million households, impacting the lives of at least 13.5 million Kenyans with personalized health services.