Kirinyaga County trains 1,222 Community Health Promoters to enhance primary healthcare

The two-week training, collaboratively facilitated by the County and National Government and other partners, included instruction on the use of Electronic Health Information Systems, among other aspects of health service.

This electronic system enables CHPs to communicate and transmit data between themselves and health facilities. The CHPs were also trained to perform basic tests and make referrals when necessary.

Commissioned by Governor Anne Waiguru eight months ago, the CHPs were deployed to various Community Health Units within the county.

Each CHP received a medical kit containing essential items such as a first aid box, weighing scale, clinical thermometer, measuring tape, blood pressure machine, blood sugar machine, medicine box, and flashlight. They also received a mobile device to document, store, and relay important data.

Governor Waiguru noted that the CHPs are a critical component of healthcare service delivery in the county, serving as the first point of contact for patients in the community.

“We are committed to putting in place sound health systems that ensure our people access affordable, comprehensive care ranging from disease prevention to treatment and rehabilitation. By taking health services closer to the people, we enable communities to identify their health priorities and participate in the planning and delivery of services, thus playing an active role in maintaining their own health and well-being,” she said.

She also expressed gratitude to the National Government for partnering with the county government to provide a monthly stipend to the CHPs, who have been working on a volunteer basis.

Speaking during the training session held in Kerugoya, County Executive Committee Member for Health George Karoki observed that since the deployment of the CHPs in the communities, the number of hospital referrals has increased. This is due to the detection of previously undiagnosed ailments through basic tests such as blood pressure and blood sugar, leading to relevant treatment.

Karoki appreciated the National Government’s support of the CHP program, which included issuing 854 kits and phones, and requested the disbursement of the remaining kits to enhance the performance of the rest of the CHPs.

Principal Secretary for Health Mary Muthoni, who was on a monitoring visit at the training venue, emphasized the central role that the CHPs play in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across the region. She stated that her department is committed to training all cadres of health workers.

“For now, we are training CHPs on basic healthcare modules, including mother and child health, use and distribution of dewormers, and basic water treatment methods,” she said, noting that the shared arrangement to provide CHPs with a stipend has alleviated some of their previous challenges.

Cyrus Kibingo, a CHP from Karia Unit, said the capacity building had enabled them to perform functions that they previously could not. He thanked the government for providing a stipend, which has enhanced their operations.

“We are now equipped to carry out tests such as blood pressure and blood sugar and make relevant referrals. We previously worked without any facilitation, but now we have a stipend for which we are grateful,” he said.

Rachael Njambi, a Community Health Promoter from Kiaritha, also noted that the two-week training had equipped them with relevant knowledge to share with their community on health matters.