A meeting of 400 CHPs at Andingo Opanga in Nyakach Constituency, Kisumu. Faith Matete Lawyer Fred Odumo Nyinguro has called on the government to urgently address delayed stipends for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Kisumu County, warning that continued payment gaps could undermine grassroots healthcare services.
Speaking during a meeting attended by more than 400 CHPs at Andingo Opanga in Nyakach Constituency, Nyinguro urged immediate intervention to ensure frontline health workers are paid consistently and on time.
He was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga, among other leaders during the meeting.
“It is unacceptable for people who dedicate their time to saving lives to go for months without their stipends,” Nyinguro said.
He added, “Community Health Promoters are the first responders in our villages. They connect households to hospitals, and without them, many families would lack access to basic healthcare.”
Across Kisumu County, thousands of CHPs serve as the link between communities and formal health facilities.
They provide home-based health education, monitor expectant mothers, offer basic first aid, and refer patients for further treatment.
Nyinguro said delays in compensation risk demoralising the health workers and weakening service delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas where CHPs play a crucial role in reducing health inequalities.
"If we are serious about achieving universal health coverage, then we must invest in the people delivering healthcare at the grassroots. Supporting CHPs is not an option, it is a necessity,” he stated.
He appealed to PS Oluga to engage the Kisumu County Government and relevant agencies to establish a predictable and sustainable payment structure.
The lawyer also pointed to legislative efforts aimed at strengthening the community health workforce, citing the proposed Community Health Promoters (CHP) Bill, 2025, which seeks to formalise, regulate and integrate CHPs into Kenya’s healthcare system.
“Our CHPs deserve proper recognition, structured compensation and secure terms of service. We will work closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure this Bill is passed and implemented,” he added.
Nyinguro, who has declared interest in the Kisumu County senatorial seat in 2027, said empowering community health workers remains central to improving healthcare access across the county.
On his part, PS Oluga said the engagement formed part of wider consultations with frontline health workers to address systemic challenges affecting service delivery.
He acknowledged that most of the concerns raised were administrative and policy-related and assured the CHPs that the ministry would follow up to resolve the issues.
He emphasised the need to strengthen support systems to ensure Community Health Promoters remain motivated as they continue serving communities.
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