Kindiki: Community Health Promoters crucial to SHA success

Kindiki said the ruling administration is aware of the challenges facing them as he lauded the CHPs for doing an excellent job in promoting better healthcare.

Speaking on Thursday when he hosted over 3000 CHPs from Embu County at Irunduni, Tharaka Nithi County, the Deputy President appreciated the work done by the health promoters in early detection of diseases and SHA’s uptake.

“We are grateful for the work the Community Health Promoters are doing. You are the foot soldiers of our flagship Universal Health Coverage project. You are our infantry on the frontline in our pursuit of better healthcare,” the DP stated.  

With the SHA registration picking pace, currently at over 26 million and projected to reach 30 million by December, the DP said this would not have been achieved without the tireless efforts of CHPs.

“SHA registration would not have been a success if it was not for the support of CHPs. You are our SHA heroes. We appreciate what you are doing. We are focused on improving your working conditions,” he reiterated.

In 2023, the national government, in collaboration with the 47 counties, recruited over 107, 000 CHPs and equipped each of them with requisite medical equipment that has made it easy to detect diseases and make referrals for better treatment. They are located in all the counties and receive a monthly stipend co-shared by both levels of government.

“The decision to recruit CHPs is one of the most consequential healthcare interventions since independence. What you are doing is great. You have saved the lives of many Kenyans who have known their health condition early and been treated before it got worse,” Kindiki insisted.

He said their work has been appreciated by millions of Kenyans who have benefitted from their services. 

“They visit homes, take basic medical tests for blood pressure, diabetes and the like, advise on diet, refer patients requiring medical attention to hospitals and follow up daily to ensure those on medication adhere to prescribed regimen,” he added. 

The DP also highlighted the progress made in rolling out development projects in Embu County touching on infrastructural upgrading in a bid to improve the lives of residents.

Many stalled roads have been revived and on course to completion and 12 modern markets are underway in the county.  

The government has also allocated Sh1.2 billion for last-mile electricity connection up from Sh576 million after the leaders pressed upon the President for higher allocation.

“We are grateful to Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and aligned MPs for supporting our agenda. We will support you 100 percent. I will do whatever I can to support the development of Embu County. I am available 24/7 to do this,” DP assured.

Governor Mbarire, who was present during the engagement, said CHPs are a cornerstone upon which SHA has been founded and strengthened.

“CHPs have done a great job in promoting better healthcare among our people. These are the people who have pushed SHA uptake at the grassroots. These are the true ambassadors of SHA,” said Governor Mbarire.