Uasin Gishu – The Uasin Gishu County government has inaugurated essential kits for 2,004 Community Health Promoters (CHP), marking a significant advancement in the county’s health strategy. Governor Jonathan Bii, speaking at the county headquarters during the launch, emphasized the goal of improving community healthcare access, with these kits serving as a crucial resource for Community Health Promoters.
According to Kenya News Agency, this initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare provision, contributing to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage. He highlighted the critical role these networks and promoters play in delivering essential healthcare services to communities. The governor cited the Cheboin Care unit in Ilula as an example, which was recently recognized by the Ministry of Health as Kenya’s top-performing community hub, demonstrating the county’s excellence in this sector.
Governor Bii explained that the fully-trained promoters, overseen by qualified healthcare workers, will provide home-based preventive and promotive health services. Each promoter is responsible for 100 households, conducting health screenings at home, thereby reducing the need for residents to travel for basic healthcare needs.
This initiative represents a transformative shift towards a citizen-centric service delivery model. It focuses on bottom-up strategies to combat diseases and enhance healthcare access, aligning with the governor’s administration objectives.
Governor Bii also mentioned the planned cost-sharing arrangement between the National and County governments, which will support the stipends of the 2,004 health promoters. These promoters will work across 204 community health units linked to healthcare facilities, with funding split on a 50-50 basis.
He called on the promoters and healthcare workers to serve with passion, compassion, respect, and gentleness. Concluding his address, Governor Bii reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering communities, strengthening healthcare systems, and fostering innovation, all directed towards building a healthier and more resilient county and nation.