In a landmark move, Members of Parliament (MPs) have approved the Community Health Workers (CHWs) Bill, 2022 (National Assembly Bill No. 53 of 2022), paving the way for formal recognition and remuneration of Community Health Workers.
Sponsored by Ndhiwa MP Martin Peters Owino, the Bill aims to establish a legal framework to incorporate CHWs into the government payroll, acknowledging their indispensable role in delivering grassroots health services, often without compensation.
Additionally, the Bill proposes the formation of the Community Health Workers Council of Kenya, tasked with regulating and standardizing CHW operations to enhance professionalism and effectiveness.
“Community Health Workers are the lifeline of our communities. They know the people, the language, and the challenges better than anyone else,” said MP Owino. “This framework will formalize their work and elevate them to the level of other healthcare professionals.”
The Bill garnered widespread support, with Seme MP James Nyikal emphasizing the global significance of community-based healthcare. “From traditional midwives to health educators, CHWs are essential for improving health outcomes worldwide,” said the veteran legislator.
Sotik MP Francis Sigei hailed CHWs as the backbone of the nation’s health. “These health warriors are vital in combating diseases within communities. Without them, our healthcare system would struggle to function,” he stated.
Marsabit County Woman Representative Naomi Waqo underscored the importance of ongoing training for CHWs to stay ahead of emerging challenges. “This Bill must ensure regular training and the development of a national curriculum to keep these workers equipped and relevant,” she urged.
With the National Assembly’s approval, the Bill now moves to the Senate for deliberations, marking a significant step toward transforming Kenya’s healthcare landscape.
