NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 20 – The Kenyan national government has pledged Sh3 billion in funding to support 100,000 community health promoters across the country.
The announcement was made by President William Ruto when he presided over the 60th Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Kericho Green Stadium.
Addressing the importance of community health promoters in achieving universal health coverage, President Ruto emphasized the need to motivate and recognize their vital role. He revealed that the payments for these health promoters would be a collaborative effort with devolved units, sharing costs on a 50:50 basis.
“The National Government is working closely with the county governments to strengthen the delivery of community health services through payment of stipends for 100,000 Community Health Promoters, on a matching basis of 50:50,” stated the head of state.
The government has earmarked an annual allocation of Ksh 3 billion for these stipends.
Community Health Promoters are trained to provide various health services, including prenatal care, immunization, nutrition education, and treatment of common illnesses. Each promoter is assigned to oversee the health of 100 households and conducts home visits to provide these essential services.
President Ruto reiterated the importance of ensuring that every Kenyan has access to healthcare, aligning with the launch of the Afya Nyumbani program for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This launch followed the President’s signing of four groundbreaking Universal Health Coverage bills: the Primary Health Care Act, 2023, the Digital Health Act, 2023, the Facility Improvement Financing Act, 2023, and the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023.
These laws are expected to create the legal and institutional framework necessary for the successful implementation of Universal Health Coverage. “These laws will transform healthcare in Kenya; they will save lives, empower communities, and make us a stronger and healthier nation,” he affirmed.
