Community Health Promoters (CHPs) across the country could soon benefit from improved working conditions and better remuneration, following the passage of a motion in the National Assembly calling for a national policy framework to guide their recruitment and payment.

The motion, sponsored by Tharaka MP George Murugara, was unanimously passed by Members of Parliament during the National Assembly’s Wednesday morning sitting on September 30, 2026.

The resolution calls on the National Government to formulate and implement a policy framework to guide the recruitment and remuneration of CHPs, who play a critical role in delivering primary healthcare services at the community level.

In a statement following the passage of the motion, Murugara expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as a major step towards addressing the long-standing concerns of Community Health Promoters.

“Today I am a very proud and happy MP. Our very own Community Health Promoters in Kenya have something to smile about, with a ray of light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Murugara noted that the overwhelming support from MPs demonstrated the House’s recognition of the important role played by CHPs in strengthening healthcare delivery across the country.

He said the motion now awaits implementation by the Government, including the development of policies and legislation to establish a framework for the recruitment and remuneration of the health workers.

The motion acknowledges that CHPs serve as the first point of contact between households and the formal healthcare system, providing essential services such as health education, disease prevention, early detection of illnesses, maternal and child healthcare support and community mobilization.

However, despite their contribution to achieving universal health coverage and the constitutional right to the highest attainable standard of health, the promoters continue to face inadequate facilitation and insufficient remuneration.

The House observed that proper facilitation, motivation and fair remuneration of CHPs would improve service delivery, strengthen preventive healthcare and reduce pressure on health facilities.

The passage of the motion marks a parliamentary step towards addressing the concerns of CHPs, although its implementation will depend on subsequent government action.

by Dickson Mwiti