At least forty-eight members of Community Health Committees (CHCs) in Kajiado North have completed a five-day training programme aimed at improving public health surveillance at the grassroots.
The training, organized by the Ministry of Health in partnership with CFK Africa, equipped participants with skills in leadership, governance, conflict resolution, resource mobilization, communication, advocacy and community health oversight.
The newly trained CHCs were drawn from Kware A, Mayor Road, Scheme 6, Olekasasi B, Lemelepo, Oloosurutia, Gichagi and Olepolos community health units. They join another 60 committee members trained during the first phase of the programme earlier this year.
Speaking during the closing ceremony in Ngong, Kajiado North Sub-County Community Health Strategy Coordinator and Health Promotion Officer Susan Nesenke expressed confidence that the trainees would apply the knowledge gained to improve healthcare delivery in their communities.
“I expect the Community Health Committees to implement what they have learned by providing effective oversight to community health promoters and advocating for improved health services. This will strengthen the link between communities and health facilities,” she said.
Kajiado North Sub-County Medical Officer of Health Dr. Marion Mukira said the committees would play a critical role in supervising Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and supporting efforts to build healthier communities.
She commended CFK Africa for partnering with the Ministry of Health to strengthen community health systems across Kajiado County.
CFK Africa Programme Officer for Event-Based Surveillance Dorine Ochieng said the training was designed to enhance disease surveillance and early detection of public health threats at the community level.
“The committees are important because they work closely with Community Health Promoters and residents. Many of the members are village elders who can quickly identify and report unusual health events, enabling timely public health response,” said Ochieng.
She noted that following the first phase of the training, the sub-county had recorded improved reporting of health events by Community Health Promoters, attributing the progress to stronger collaboration between CHCs and CHPs.
Kajiado County Chief Officer for Public Health and Sanitation Eddy Kimani said community health committees and community health promoters remain the foundation of preventive and promotive healthcare because of their close interaction with residents.
Kimani pledged the county government’s support to the newly trained committees, including issuing them with certificates and identification badges to facilitate their work in the communities.
“With the establishment of more community health units, we expect improved health indicators, which are critical for planning and budget allocation,” he said.
He also lauded the 167 community health promoters serving Kajiado North for their commitment and reaffirmed the county government’s commitment, under Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, to continue supporting them through the payment of stipends.
The community health committees will serve as the link between communities and health facilities, overseeing the work of community health promoters while helping ensure residents access quality healthcare services.
By Peter Muteti
