"In 90 days": Ruto to review monthly stipend for 107k CHPs, pledges new phones
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- President William Ruto directed that over 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) be integrated into the SHA system
- Health CS Aden Duale announced that onboarding into the Digital Health Agency system will begin on August 20 and conclude by August 24
- All 107,000 CHPs are set to receive advanced smartphones and upgraded medical kits within three months of the announcement
President William Ruto has ordered the integration of more than 107,000 Community Health Providers (CHPs) into the Social Health Authority (SHA) framework.
The president, who spoke at a health forum in Nairobi, also committed to reviewing their monthly stipend by December 2026.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the onboarding process into the Digital Health Agency system would commence on August 20 and be completed by August 24, ensuring all workers are captured within the system ahead of the stipend review.
How the CHP funding will be split
Because CHPs have not previously been incorporated into any formal payroll structure, President Ruto announced that the national government will cover 50% of their funding, with the respective county governments responsible for the remaining half.
Duale noted that a three-month window has been set for the process, a timeline he said was necessary to accommodate the rigorous procurement requirements, as well as approvals by Parliament and the National Treasury.
Beyond the stipend review, President Ruto announced that all 107,000 CHPs would receive advanced smartphones and upgraded medical kits within three months.
"In the next 90 days, we will equip all the 107,800 Community Health Promoters with new smartphones and modern health kits," he said.
The devices are intended to support their work in the field as part of the broader digital health agenda.
The president also directed that the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) plan be extended to cover the family members of CHP beneficiaries, a move aimed at providing a more comprehensive healthcare experience for workers and their households.
The commitments signal a significant shift in how community-level health workers are recognised and supported within Kenya's public health system, with the government moving to formalise arrangements for a workforce that has long operated without payroll protections.
How will village elders benefit?
We also highlighted facts about President William Ruto's recent announcement regarding the benefits for 106,000 village elders in Kenya, including a KSh 3,000 monthly stipend and health insurance.
This initiative aims to enhance the role of village elders within the National Government Administration system, providing them with essential tools and training to better serve their communities.
The government's commitment to equipping village elders with smartphones and AI training reflects a significant investment in grassroots leadership and public administration.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.