As millions of Kenyans continue to gain from the historic program, the government released Ksh three billion to pay Community Health Promoters (CHP) nationwide on Friday.
Over 13 million Kenyans have benefited directly from the healthcare services provided by the CHPs, who have a presence in every village across the nation.
Speaking during the fund release at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua commended the 107,000 CHPs, calling them unsung heroes who were spearheading a program essential to the realization of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The administration of President William Ruto is the first since independence to compensate community health workers for their vital role in providing preventive and promotive healthcare.
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The Deputy President stated that the stipend is meant to inspire the CHPs and acknowledge their crucial role in the public health sector, accompanied by top government officials and partners, including Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Health, Dr. Robert Pukose, and others.
Representative Cynthia Muge of Nandi Woman and MP Patrick Munene of Chuka-Igambang'ombe, who also serves as the vice-chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Health, were also present.
According to Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, each health promoter has already received a smartphone and customized kits. The devices have an electronic community health information system (E-CHS) to gather health data from local communities.
According to DP Gachagua, county governments will cover the remaining half of the stipend, with the national government covering the remaining 50%.
He continued by saying that the community health promoters have reached 2.7 million households since they were hired and sent to the villages four months ago (October 2023).
The Deputy President continued, saying that the CHP's initiative will significantly prevent Kenyans from falling into poverty due to medical debt.
The World Health Organization Representative, Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, commended the Kenyan government for employing the community health promoters and providing them with stipends. According to him, the payment will guarantee the program's sustainability.
The health services that the community health promoters are trained to offer include immunizations, treatment of common illnesses, nutrition education, and prenatal care.
In addition, the Deputy President said that the government had successfully reduced the price of maize flour to Sh139 per 2kg packet, down from Sh230 in 2022, as a result of wise policies implemented by the Kenya Kwanza administration, such as the introduction of subsidized fertilizer.
Regarding Kenya Shilling's performance in the foreign exchange market, the Democratic Party stated that President Ruto's prudent leadership was the reason behind the stability of the local currency compared to the US dollar.
