President William Ruto has ordered that all Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and their dependants be fully enrolled and covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA). This move ensures they can access healthcare services across all levels of health facilities nationwide without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.

Addressing attendees at the Kenya Health Summit 2026, Ruto emphasized the critical role CHPs play in delivering healthcare directly to communities and advancing Kenya's universal health coverage goals. He directed that confirmation messages be sent to CHPs by Monday, August 24, confirming their enrollment and coverage under SHA.

Comprehensive Health Access and Support

  • CHPs and their families will access care from primary facilities to specialised referral hospitals without financial barriers.
  • The national and county governments will jointly fund this coverage to eliminate direct payments by CHPs.
  • CHPs will receive upgraded working kits within 90 days, including weighing scales, blood pressure monitors, smartphones, and solar-powered chargers to facilitate their duties.
  • Some CHPs have already received these kits, enhancing their ability to monitor and support households effectively.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that CHP data has been uploaded into the Digital Health Agency system and integration into SHA will be completed imminently. He assured that all eligible CHPs would receive SMS confirmations by the specified date.

Strengthening Community Healthcare

Kenya has over 107,000 CHPs operating across all 47 counties. They have reached more than 9 million households, providing essential services such as early disease detection, health education, immunisation promotion, and patient referrals.

Government records indicate that CHPs have conducted nearly 10 million diabetes screenings and over 6 million hypertension checks, identifying thousands requiring further care. They also track maternal and child health indicators and collect data through an electronic system to improve health outcomes.

President Ruto highlighted the importance of safeguarding CHPs' welfare, announcing a review of their stipend arrangements by December 2026 to improve their working conditions and remuneration.

CHP Reactions

Community Health Promoters welcomed the reforms. Selina Nandanu from Ruaraka expressed optimism that the new coverage would ease access to treatment for CHPs and their families nationwide. Lilian Mwende from Kasarani noted that the equipment and dual remuneration from national and county governments would enhance her service delivery.

This initiative marks a significant step in reinforcing Kenya’s community-based health system, ensuring those at the frontline of healthcare are adequately supported and protected.