Community health workers from across the country could soon be entitled to pay after the National Assembly approved a Bill to include them in the government payroll system.
MPs in the National Assembly passed the Community Health Workers Bill, 2022 (National Assembly Bill No. 53 of 2022).
The Bill sponsored by Ndhiwa MP Martin Peters Owino, was approved by a majority of the lawmakers and seeks to establish a legal framework to acknowledge the essential role of community health workers and incorporate them into the government payroll.
Currently, the workers who provide crucial health services at the grassroots level, often do so without pay.
Additionally, the Bill wants the creation of the Community Health Workers Council of Kenya, which will regulate and standardize the operations of CHWs, ensuring professionalism and effectiveness in their work.
In the Bill, Owino notes that community health workers play a crucial role in healthcare at the grass roots level of our communities despite not getting the proper recognition and assistance that they need.
“Community Health Workers are very important as they work directly with the community. The Community health worker knows the homesteads in the area he or she lives in and is familiar with the language of the people and the challenges facing the society,” says Owino.
He added that the proposed framework would help formalize and regulate their work, putting them on par with other healthcare professionals.
The Bill garnered widespread support from MPs across the political divide. Seme MP James Nyikal, highlighted the global recognition of community-based healthcare.
“Worldwide, it is clear that community members play a significant role in healthcare delivery, from traditional midwives to health educators. Strengthening and empowering CHWs is essential for improving health outcomes,” Nyikal said.
Sotik MP Francis Sigei lauded CHWs as the backbone of society.
“These Health Warriors ensure our nation remains healthy and productive. Without their efforts in combating diseases within communities, our healthcare system would falter,” he said.
On her part, Marsabit County MP Naomi Waqo called on the government to carry out regular training and develop curriculum that would be used to carry out training for CHWs countrywide.
“While the qualifications for these Community Health Workers are clearly defined in the Bill, we must make sure that these Health workers consistently receive the requisite training to ensure that they are always relevant with every new challenge that faces our communities,” said Waqo.
She further called for the distribution of the Community Health Workers Council offices across the country to enhance the nationwide availability of services.
Following passage of the Community Health Workers Bill, 2022 (National Assembly Bill No. 53 of 2022), the Bill now heads to the Senate.
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