Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has praised Community Health Promoters (CHPs) for their pivotal role in Kenya’s healthcare system, assuring them that the government is committed to improving their working conditions.
Speaking on Thursday while hosting over 3,000 CHPs from Embu County at Irunduni in Tharaka Nithi, Kindiki described the promoters as central to the success of the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme, which aims to extend health coverage nationwide.
“You are the foot soldiers of our flagship Universal Health Coverage project. You are our infantry on the frontline in the pursuit of better healthcare,” Kindiki told the gathering. The Deputy President highlighted that SHA registration, which has already surpassed 26 million people and is projected to reach 30 million by December, owes much of its success to the tireless efforts of CHPs. “SHA registration would not have been a success without CHPs. You are our SHA heroes, and we appreciate what you are doing. We are focused on improving your working conditions,” he added.
Last year, the national government, in collaboration with the 47 counties, recruited over 107,000 CHPs and equipped them with medical kits to conduct early diagnosis and patient referrals. Each promoter receives a monthly stipend co-funded by both the national and county governments.
Kindiki described the initiative as “one of the most consequential healthcare interventions since independence,” noting that CHPs have saved countless lives.
“They visit homes, take basic medical tests for blood pressure and diabetes, advise on diet, refer patients to hospitals, and follow up daily to ensure those on medication adhere to their prescriptions,” he explained.
Beyond healthcare, Kindiki outlined ongoing development projects in Embu County, including road upgrades, construction of 12 modern markets, and expanded last-mile electricity connections.
The budget for these projects was increased to Sh1.2 billion from Sh576 million following advocacy by county leaders.
“We are grateful to Governor Cecily Mbarire and the county MPs for supporting our agenda. I will do whatever I can to support the development of Embu County. I am available 24/7 for this,” he pledged.
Governor Mbarire joined in recognizing the promoters’ contributions, describing them as “the true ambassadors of SHA.”
“CHPs have done a great job in promoting healthcare at the grassroots. They are the true ambassadors of SHA,” she said.
With the government emphasizing both healthcare and local development, CHPs remain at the heart of efforts to expand access to essential services and improve living standards across the country.
