MPs approve Bill to recognize and pay Community Health Workers

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 
𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

The National Assembly has passed the Community Health Workers Bill, 2022 (National Assembly Bill No. 53 of 2022).

The Bill which was endorsed by lawmakers on 20th November 2024 is sponsored by Ndhiwa MP Hon. Martin Peters Owino and seeks to establish a legal framework to acknowledge the essential role of CHWs and incorporate them into the government payroll. Currently, these workers provide crucial health services at the grassroots level, often without pay.

Additionally, the Bill proposes 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, Hon. 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,” states Hon. 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, Hon. (Dr.) 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," he said.

Sotik MP, Hon. Francis Sigei lauded CHWs as the backbone of society. He remarked, "These Health Warriors ensure our nation remains healthy and productive. Without their efforts in combating diseases within communities, our healthcare system would falter."

On her part, Marsabit County MP, Hon. Naomi Waqo called on the government to carry out frequent training and develop curriculum that would be used to carry out the training 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 Hon. 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.