Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Community Health Promoters (CHPs) that the government is working to improve their terms of engagement.
The DP said the ruling administration is aware of the challenges they are facing, as he also lauded them for doing an excellent job in promoting better healthcare.
Speaking on Thursday when he hosted over 3000 CHPs from Embu County at his Irunduni home in Tharaka Nithi County, the Deputy President appreciated the work done by the health promoters in early detection of diseases and SHA’s uptake.
“We are grateful for the work the Community Health Promoters are doing. You are the foot soldiers of our flagship Universal Health Coverage project. You are our infantry on the frontline in our pursuit of better healthcare,” said the DP.
With the SHA registration rising fast, currently at more than 26 million people and projected to reach 30 million by December, the DP said this would not have been achieved without the tireless efforts of CHPs.
“SHA registration would not have been a success if it was not for the support of CHPs. You are our SHA heroes. We appreciate what you are doing. We are focused on improving your working conditions,” he reiterated.
In 2023, the national government, in collaboration with the 47 counties, recruited over 107,000 CHPs and equipped them with requisite medical equipment that has made it easy to detect diseases and make referrals for better treatment.
They are located in all the counties and receive a monthly stipend co-shared by both levels of government.
“The decision to recruit CHPs is one of the well-timed healthcare interventions since independence. What you are doing is great. You have saved the lives of many Kenyans who have known their health condition early and been treated before it got worse,” DP insisted adding that their work has been appreciated by millions of Kenyans who have benefitted from their services.
Prof. Kindiki also highlighted the progress made in rolling out development projects in Embu County touching on infrastructural upgrading in a bid to improve the lives of residents.
Many stalled roads have been revived and are on course to completion and 12 modern markets are underway in the county.
The government has also allocated Sh1.2 billion for last-mile electricity connection up from Sh576 million after the leaders pressed upon the President for higher allocation.
“We are grateful to Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and aligned MPs for supporting our agenda. We will support you 100 percent. I will do whatever I can to support the development of Embu County. I am available all the time to do this,” said Kindiki.
Governor Mbarire, who was present during the engagement, said CHPs are a cornerstone upon which SHA has been founded and strengthened.
“CHPs have done a great job in promoting better healthcare among our people. These are the people who have pushed SHA uptake at the grassroots. These are the true ambassadors of SHA,” said Governor Mbarire.
By Dickson Mwiti
