Kiambu County has launched a Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO) for Community Health Promoters (CHPs), bringing together the county’s 3,156 CHPs to strengthen their financial welfare and improve their access to savings and affordable credit.

The launch, presided over by Governor Kimani Wamatangi, is designed to give the health promoters a firm financial foundation as they build a culture of saving, access affordable credit and invest in income-generating activities.

The event drew Deputy Governor Rosemary Njeri Kirika, County Assembly Speaker Charles Thiong’o and other county officials, who outlined the importance of the initiative in supporting the promoters who form the first link between households and health facilities.

Speaking during the launch, Wamatangi said the county would support the SACCO with a Sh25 million boost, to be disbursed in phases, with the first instalment of Sh 5 million already paid to the new outfit.

“Every year five million will be deposited in the Community Health Promoters’ account,” he said, adding that the SACCO would also be anchored in the Community Health Promoters bill.

The Governor urged the promoters to set aside a portion of their stipend for the future, telling them to deposit Sh 200 into their accounts from the money they receive.

“From today you will not be given Sh200 by the politicians because of the Savings and Credit Cooperative Society that I have implemented,” Wamatangi said.

He pledged to walk with the promoters throughout the journey to ensure they benefit from the cooperative.

Deputy Governor Rosemary Njeri thanked the Governor for the initiative and commended the promoters for embracing the SACCO, encouraging them to take advantage of their numbers and the resources being made available to them.

County Assembly Speaker Charles Thiong’o lauded the Governor for his contribution to the county and praised the promoters for their service.

“You have really played an important role in society for your commendable work,” he said.

Community Health Promoters play a key role in primary healthcare by educating households on disease prevention, promoting healthy practices and linking residents with health facilities for appropriate medical services. Their work is helping improve access to healthcare information and strengthen the delivery of preventive health services within communities.

The establishment of the SACCO is expected to give members a structured avenue for saving and accessing financial services, subject to its operational policies, membership contributions and lending requirements.

 by Mitchelle Ayuma and Grace Naishoo