Nyando CHPs seek better working conditions, State support

More than 200 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) from Nyando Subcounty have voiced concerns over poor working conditions, inadequate facilitation and minimal government support, saying the challenges are undermining their ability to deliver essential healthcare services at the community level. 

The CHWs raised the issues during a consultative forum held in Nyando Subcounty, where they met lawyer Odumo Nyinguro.

The meeting brought together CHPs from across the subcounty, many of whom described the daily struggles they face while working on the frontline of community health. 

During the forum, the workers said they often operate without adequate resources, consistent stipends or sufficient training, despite being tasked with critical roles such as disease prevention, health education and community mobilisation.

 “Our work is very demanding,” Philgona Omwana, the Community Health Promoters’ representative, said. 

She added, “We walk long distances to reach households, educate families on health matters and respond to emergencies, yet the support we receive does not match the responsibility we carry.”

 She noted that the engagement was part of a broader effort by CHPs to seek leaders who understand their realities and are willing to help find lasting solutions. 

Several participants said the forum was the first opportunity they had to openly engage a political leader on their challenges, noting that such interactions were long overdue.

 “For a long time, we have felt ignored,” one Community Health Promoter said during a vox pop session.

 “This is the first time someone has organised a town hall meeting specifically to listen to our concerns. We hope this will lead to real change.” 

Addressing the gathering, Nyinguro described Community Health Promoters as a critical pillar of the healthcare system, noting that they play a key role in improving health outcomes at the grassroots level.

 “Community Health Promoters are the backbone of our healthcare system,” he said. 

“They are the first point of contact for many families, and without them, it would be difficult to reach the most vulnerable populations.” 

Nyinguro said supporting CHPs is part of his broader health agenda, adding that their welfare must be prioritised to strengthen healthcare delivery. 

He also announced plans to visit CHPs in all seven sub-counties of Kisumu County to engage them directly and better understand their challenges.

 “I want to listen to you, understand your issues firsthand and work with you to push for practical solutions,” he said. 

The CHPs expressed hope that the engagement would result in concrete action, particularly on remuneration, training and formal recognition within the healthcare system, saying sustained dialogue with leaders could help improve their working conditions and strengthen community health care services in the region.