Kindiki Hails Community Health Promoters as ‘Foot Soldiers’ of UHC

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has described Community Health Promoters (CHPs) as the backbone of the government’s health reforms, promising that their welfare and terms of service will be improved.

Addressing more than 3,000 CHPs from Embu County at Irunduni in Tharaka Nithi on Thursday, Kindiki praised their role in early disease detection and the expansion of the Social Health Authority (SHA) registration. He said their grassroots engagements have been central to the success of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative.

“We are grateful for the work the Community Health Promoters are doing. You are the foot soldiers of our flagship Universal Health Coverage project. You are our infantry on the frontline in our pursuit of better healthcare,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President revealed that SHA registration has surpassed 26 million people and is expected to hit 30 million by December, crediting CHPs for this milestone. “SHA registration would not have been a success if it was not for the support of CHPs. You are our SHA heroes. We appreciate what you are doing. We are focused on improving your working conditions,” he noted.

In 2023, the government recruited more than 107,000 CHPs across all counties and equipped them with medical kits to assist in basic health screenings, referrals, and patient monitoring. Each receives a stipend jointly funded by national and county governments.

Kindiki said their efforts have saved lives by enabling early diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions. “The decision to recruit CHPs is one of the most consequential healthcare interventions since independence. What you are doing is great. You have saved the lives of many Kenyans,” he added.

Governor Cecily Mbarire, who attended the event, backed the DP’s remarks, saying CHPs remain the “true ambassadors” of SHA at the grassroots