The government has initiated a Kshs 3 billion stipend payment program for Community Health Promoters (CHPs).
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led the rollout of the program on Friday, February 16 at his Karen residence in Nairobi.
Gachagua, alongside Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, lauded the CHPs for their vital role in advancing primary healthcare across communities in Kenya.
He further pledged his continued support for their efforts in advancing Universal Health Coverage which directly contributes to Kenya Kwanza's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) in the healthcare sector.
Gachagua also urged the Council of Governors to fulfil its obligations to ensure the initiative's success by building cooperation between the county and national government.
He also defended the introduction of progressive health policies through the Social Health Authority (SHA) claiming it will enhance healthcare quality and affordability.
On her side, CS Nakhumicha praised President William Ruto’s administration for recognising the efforts of CHPs and thanked partners for their support in health reform.
She also appealed to private companies to waive transaction costs to ensure the full stipend reaches the intended recipients.
Over 103,000 community health workers are set to benefit from the payment program. The payment comes amid raised concerns over the delays in reimbursement of community health workers' salaries.
On Thursday, while appearing before the National Assembly Health Committee, Nakhumicha stated that the rollout of the stipend was boosted by an agreement between the national and county governments on how to share the payment plans.
"We have finally hit the light at the end of the tunnel after striking the deal with the Council of Governors over 50-50 sharing of responsibilities of remuneration of our resourceful champions,” Nakhumicha stated.
“CHPs are doing a great job of facilitating the delivery of quality health care services towards the actualization of Universal Health," she added.
