NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Assembly has approved the Community Health Workers Bill, 2022, marking a significant milestone in the recognition and formalization of community health workers (CHWs) in Kenya.
Sponsored by Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, the bill establishes a legal framework to integrate CHWs into the government payroll and formalize their critical role in healthcare delivery.
Central to the bill is the proposal to create the Community Health Workers Council of Kenya, tasked with regulating and standardizing CHW operations to ensure professionalism and effectiveness.
“Community health workers are indispensable as they directly engage with the people,” said Owino. “They know the households in their areas, speak the language of the community, and understand the challenges society faces.”
The legislation received widespread support from lawmakers who emphasized the transformative impact of community-based healthcare.
Seme MP James Nyikal highlighted the global recognition of community health workers in delivering care.
“From traditional midwives to health educators, community members play a vital role in healthcare. Empowering CHWs is key to improving health outcomes,” Nyikal said.
Sotik MP Francis Sigei praised CHWs as unsung heroes of Kenya’s healthcare system.
“These health warriors ensure our nation remains healthy and productive. Without their efforts, especially in combating diseases at the grassroots level, our healthcare system would struggle,” he noted.
Marsabit County Women Representative Naomi Waqo underscored the importance of continuous training to keep CHWs equipped to face evolving health challenges.
“The bill outlines clear qualifications for CHWs, but we must ensure they receive ongoing training to remain relevant and effective,” Waqo added.
The bill, which seeks to address decades of informal and underappreciated work by CHWs, now moves to the Senate for further deliberation.
If enacted, it will formalize the essential role of CHWs in bridging healthcare gaps and promoting wellness across communities.
Sponsored by Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, the bill establishes a legal framework to integrate CHWs into the government payroll and formalize their critical role in healthcare delivery.
Central to the bill is the proposal to create the Community Health Workers Council of Kenya, tasked with regulating and standardizing CHW operations to ensure professionalism and effectiveness.
“Community health workers are indispensable as they directly engage with the people,” said Owino. “They know the households in their areas, speak the language of the community, and understand the challenges society faces.”
The legislation received widespread support from lawmakers who emphasized the transformative impact of community-based healthcare.
Seme MP James Nyikal highlighted the global recognition of community health workers in delivering care.
“From traditional midwives to health educators, community members play a vital role in healthcare. Empowering CHWs is key to improving health outcomes,” Nyikal said.
Sotik MP Francis Sigei praised CHWs as unsung heroes of Kenya’s healthcare system.
“These health warriors ensure our nation remains healthy and productive. Without their efforts, especially in combating diseases at the grassroots level, our healthcare system would struggle,” he noted.
Marsabit County Women Representative Naomi Waqo underscored the importance of continuous training to keep CHWs equipped to face evolving health challenges.
“The bill outlines clear qualifications for CHWs, but we must ensure they receive ongoing training to remain relevant and effective,” Waqo added.
The bill, which seeks to address decades of informal and underappreciated work by CHWs, now moves to the Senate for further deliberation.
If enacted, it will formalize the essential role of CHWs in bridging healthcare gaps and promoting wellness across communities.
