Turkana county is moving to strengthen support for more than 2,600 Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who play a key role in delivering frontline healthcare services.
Health and Sanitation Services executive Dr Esekon Joseph Epem said the county has updated its CHP database and is rolling out enhanced support measures aimed at improving service delivery to residents.
He said the government has also streamlined the payment of stipends and is working on additional interventions to ensure CHPs operate more effectively.
“The CHPs are central to our healthcare system and we will do everything possible to ensure they serve our people effectively,” Epem said.
He said under Governor Jeremiah Lomurkai’s administration, budget allocation for CHPs—particularly stipends—has increased, with plans to ensure more consistent payments going forward.
Epem also raised concern over low registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying Turkana is currently lagging behind nationally.
He said only about 20 per cent of residents have registered, placing the county 43rd out of 47.
“Low registration affects resource allocation to our health facilities. Let us ensure all eligible household members are registered,” he said.
He added that the county assembly has supported the allocation for CHP stipends but called for increased investment in broader Community Health Services operations.
The CHPs programme previously received about Sh108 million, mainly covering stipends and the county plans to increase this allocation.
The county health management team, led by Epem, held community-led monitoring dialogues with CHPs in Aroo, Suguta and Turkana East subcounties.
The meetings brought together subcounty and ward leaders, including MCAs, to strengthen collaboration and accountability in community health services.
Preventive and Promotive Health Services chief officer Agnes Mana and director of Community Health Services Dr Lolepo Joseph stressed the importance of inclusive engagement in improving service delivery.
Epem said involving MCAs was key to strengthening advocacy and budgeting for the sector.
“We involved MCAs to help them understand and advocate for community health services in budgeting and appropriations,” he said.
He described CHPs as the foundation of the health system and the first point of contact for many residents.
Director of policy, planning, monitoring and evaluation Lobokan James said the county is prioritising digital reporting systems such as eCHIS to improve performance tracking and outcomes.
