Kiambu County, Kenya| In a landmark move aimed at improving primary healthcare services, the Kiambu County Department of Health, in collaboration with Amref Health Africa and the Ministry of Health, has launched a comprehensive Community Health Worker (CHW) Registry.
This initiative seeks to streamline data management, optimize resource allocation, and strengthen community-based healthcare services, ensuring that all residents receive essential health services at the grassroots level.
A Milestone in Community Healthcare
Speaking during the launch, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi emphasized that the CHW Registry aligns with the county’s Community Health Act, which mandates universal access to essential healthcare for all residents.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fortifying the county’s healthcare system through innovative strategies.
“My administration is implementing new strategies to strengthen our healthcare system, with the Community Health Act playing a central role in this vision. This initiative will ensure that every resident of Kiambu has access to essential healthcare services at the community level while empowering health promoters to actively contribute to better health outcomes,” said Wamatangi.
As part of this initiative, all 3,070 registered Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Kiambu County will be enrolled in a comprehensive care program designed to equip them with the necessary resources and support to enhance healthcare delivery.
Better Compensation and Specialized Training for CHPs
Kiambu County has led the way in recognizing the crucial role played by CHPs by being the first county in Kenya to introduce a stipend for Community Health Promoters.
Governor Wamatangi announced an increase in the monthly stipend to acknowledge their dedication and hard work in delivering quality healthcare services.
Furthermore, the county will roll out specialized training programs for CHPs, beginning this year.
These training sessions will improve the competencies of health workers, ensuring they deliver high-quality care across all sub-counties.
Enhancing Data Management and Service Coordination
Dr. Elias Maina, Kiambu County’s Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services, stressed the importance of the registry in improving primary healthcare.
“A well-structured CHW registry is essential for improving primary healthcare. It will ensure accurate data on our workforce, enhance service coordination, and ultimately lead to better health outcomes for our residents,” Dr. Maina stated.
The rollout began with a training session for key health officials, who will oversee the registration process.
This includes Community Health Promoters (CHPs), Sub-County Community Strategy Focal Persons, Sub-County Health Records and Information Officers (HRIOs), Sub-County Public Health Officers, and Community Health Assistants from each ward.
The training aims to ensure the accurate collection of workforce data and the efficient coordination of health services at the community level.
Hygiene and Sanitation Initiative at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital
In addition to the launch of the CHW Registry, Kiambu healthcare workers joined forces with the Kenya Prisons Service in a clean-up exercise at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital.
This initiative aimed to transform the facility into a cleaner and healthier environment, reinforcing the county’s commitment to promoting hygiene and sanitation in public health institutions.
A Model for Other Counties
With the introduction of the CHW Registry, Kiambu County sets a precedent for other counties in Kenya to follow in enhancing community-led healthcare.
By prioritizing workforce data accuracy, increasing support for CHPs, and reinforcing community health structures, the county aims to build a robust and responsive healthcare system that effectively meets the needs of its residents.
Governor Wamatangi reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that primary healthcare services reach every household, further solidifying Kiambu’s reputation as a leader in community health reforms.
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