A lawyer and aspiring senator for Kisumu County, Fred Odumo, has pledged to support legislation aimed at improving the welfare of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) if elected.
Speaking at a meeting attended by more than 200 CHPs from Kisumu West Constituency at Kotetni AIC Church over the weekend, Odumo said the volunteers played a vital role in Kenya’s primary healthcare system despite facing poor working conditions.
The health promoters raised concerns over delayed stipends, inadequate working tools and a lack of support from government.
Odumo said better funding and equipment for CHPs would strengthen disease surveillance, improve early diagnosis and contribute to better maternal and child health outcomes.
“Community Health Promoters are the first point of contact for many families seeking healthcare services.They deserve better working conditions, proper equipment and fair remuneration,” he said.
He said existing laws, including the Health Act of 2017 and the Primary Health Care Act of 2023, recognised the role of Community Health Promoters but argued that issues affecting their welfare had yet to be fully addressed.
Odumo said he would work to support the passage of the proposed Community Health Providers Bill, which is before the Senate and seeks to improve the legal framework governing CHPs, including their remuneration and benefits.
“If elected Senator, I will work with fellow legislators to ensure this law is passed and implemented for the benefit of Community Health Promoters across the country,” he said.
He also promised to provide 100-seater tents and uniforms to support the health promoters’ community outreach activities.
Several CHPs welcomed the engagement, saying it gave them an opportunity to highlight the challenges they face.
Margaret Atieno, a Community Health Promoter from Otonglo, said she appreciated the opportunity to discuss their concerns.”It is encouraging to sit with a politician who takes time to listen to what we are going through,” she said.
Peter Odiko, from Central Kisumu Ward, said delayed stipends remained one of the biggest challenges facing CHPs. “We hope these issues will be prioritised,” he said.
Bernard Odhiambo, who has served as a Community Health Promoter for several years, said many volunteers continued to work without adequate supplies or transport.
“We have heard promises before, but what we need now is action,” he said.
Community Health Promoters form part of Kenya’s primary healthcare system, linking households with health facilities, promoting disease prevention and supporting services such as immunisation, maternal healthcare and public health surveillance.
However, many have repeatedly raised concerns about delayed stipends, limited training, inadequate protective equipment and insufficient government support.
The meeting comes as pressure grows on lawmakers to consider the Community Health Providers Bill, which supporters say would strengthen protections and improve the welfare of Community Health Promoters.
Leave a comment