Kakamega recruits 4,200 Community Health Promoters for enhanced primary care

JOHN OCHANDA-KNA 

Over 4,200 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) have been recruited to support and provide primary health care to residents of Kakamega County. Governor Fernandes Barasa stated that CHP kits had been distributed in the region under the Universal Health Care program to ensure its success in the county.

Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Inaya Primary School grounds in Butere Sub-County, Barasa expressed his commitment to improving the CHPs’ working conditions and terms of service for effective service delivery. 

He described CHPs as the true heroes and heroines who should be celebrated for their selfless service to the communities they serve. “We want to celebrate you as heroes and heroines today because of the sacrifices and risks you undertake to save other people’s lives,” Governor Barasa said. 

He also lauded community health workers for accompanying expectant mothers to health facilities and connecting them with qualified service providers.

Barasa promised to prioritize their welfare by ensuring they are properly supported and that their monthly stipends are paid on time. He praised President Ruto for assenting to four bills meant to spearhead Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 

These bills include the Social Health Insurance Act, the Digital Health Act, the Primary Healthcare Act, and the Facility Improvement Financing Act. The governor noted that with the new kits, the CHPs are now adequately equipped to serve Kakamega residents in need of primary health care.