President William Ruto has announced that all Community Health Promoters (CHPs) across the country will receive new smartphones to support the delivery of healthcare services at the grassroots.
Speaking during a meeting with Nairobi County Community Health Promoters on Friday, July 25, the President said the government would replace the current devices after health promoters complained that their existing phones had become outdated and were slowing down their work.
Addressing the gathering, Ruto instructed Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to immediately begin the process of procuring and distributing the new devices to Community Health Promoters across the country.
“You have told me that the phones you are using keep hanging because they are old, and you want new ones. Is that right? Well then, CS Duale, let us get these men and women new smartphones. And this will not be for Nairobi Community Health Promoters alone. Every Community Health Promoter across Kenya should receive a new, modern smartphone,” President Ruto said.
The President emphasized that the programme would not be limited to Nairobi, saying every Community Health Promoter in Kenya should receive a modern smartphone to improve service delivery.
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Community Health Promoters to Be Covered Under SHA on Ruto Directive
In addition to the smartphone programme, Ruto announced that every Community Health Promoter in Kenya will be enrolled under the Social Health Authority (SHA), ensuring they have access to health insurance coverage.
“It is an investment that strengthens our primary healthcare across Kenya. To our Community Health Promoters, I wish to let you know that the Government of Kenya believes in you,” the President said.
“Your work is transforming lives, and your contribution will remain central to Kenya’s journey towards universal health coverage. Today, I announce that the Government of Kenya, working with our counties, will make sure that every Community Health Promoter has SHA coverage. Each one of you will be covered under the Social Health Insurance Fund.”
Ruto revealed that the national government has already set aside KSh390 million to facilitate the programme and directed that the funds be transferred to SHA.
The President also thanked Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, noting that the initiative would be implemented through a partnership between the national government and county governments.
According to Ruto, the national government will provide KSh390 million, while counties will contribute half of that amount to ensure all Community Health Promoters receive health insurance coverage.
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New Kits to Be Distributed Within 90 Days
The Head of State further responded to concerns raised by the health promoters regarding the quality and condition of the kits previously issued to them.
Ruto acknowledged that some of the kits had worn out and announced that the government would provide new kits to all Community Health Promoters across the country.
“You have told us that some of the kits we gave you have worn out. Therefore, I am directing CS Aden Duale to ensure that all Community Health Promoters across Kenya receive new kits within the next 90 days,” he said.
The directive means Community Health Promoters are expected to receive new working kits within the next 90 days as part of the government’s efforts to enhance primary healthcare services.
President William Ruto’s directive means that more than 107,800 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) deployed across Kenya’s 47 counties are set to receive new smartphones, with the government also committing to enroll them under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
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