President William Ruto has introduced kits for Community Health Promoters (CHP) today at Uhuru Park in Nairobi.
Dr Ruto emphasized the importance of guaranteeing that all Kenyans have access to top-notch medical care within the confines of their own residences.
The distribution of a flagship of 100,000 health kits to all 47 counties across the nation is a significant step towards enhancing Universal Health Coverage in the country. By having community health promoters in each county, it will guarantee that every Kenyan can access services regardless of their geographic location.
“Kenyans will now be served at their homes in the spirit of our transformative tact to serve the people,” he said.
According to Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha Susan Wafula, this marks a major milestone in her role as the CS in the health ministry, as the Community Health Promoters (CHP) flagship will drive the nationwide progress of Universal Health Coverage.
“On my part, I am reading from the President’s book, UHC must succeed, we must give the people of Kenya the healthcare they require, where they require it, and at an affordable price. We are committed to putting health on the right trajectory,” said CS Nakhumicha.
The CS further said this is a demonstration of the active pursuit of a healthier nation, adding that with a population of approximately 50 million people and an estimated 10 million households, our strategy for outreach is to leave no one behind.
“We therefore commission these 100,000 dedicated Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who are adequately kitted with the right equipment and knowledge, and who will each be responsible for 100 households,” she said.
The President highlighted that the 100,000 health promoters across 47 Counties will receive supervision from professional medics. This opportunity will not only create jobs and reduce unemployment but also involve the employment of 20,000 healthcare workers. The goal is to improve the ratio of healthcare workers to the population, aiming for 23 healthcare workers per 10,000 people.
Each community health promoter is to be charged with serving 100 homes and they will be facilitated through a defined package of preventive and promotive health services. The president revealed that the National Government will remunerate the workers in the form of stipends.
“I urge the healthcare workers to serve Kenyans with zeal; we must win the struggle for freedom from disease,” remarked the President.
Present at the event were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Chairperson of the Council of Governors Anne Waiguru, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, and other leaders, including Governors.
