Kenya Faces Funding Shortfall For Community Health Workers – Kindiki

      By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

The government has admitted to facing financial constraints in facilitating community health workers tasked with delivering primary healthcare services.

Community Health Promoters (CHPs) remain a cornerstone in implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), particularly in registering citizens under the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA).

Speaking on Wednesday at Kenyatta National Hospital, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki highlighted that the current budget allocation for CHPs may fall short of the required funds.

“Based on the figures provided, the Sh2.5 billion allocated for CHPs combined with Sh3.7 billion for other primary healthcare needs totals Sh6.2 billion, which may not be adequate,” Kindiki stated.

He added that the government is exploring ways to address the deficit, including reallocating funds in the supplementary budget.

Kindiki linked the funding gap to the failure of the Finance Bill, 2024, which had proposed raising Sh340 billion in additional revenue.

“The revenue-enhancing proposals presented earlier this year, including the Finance Bill, 2024, did not materialize, impacting budgets across various government sectors,” he explained.

“Despite the funding challenges, we are committed to continuously adjusting our budgets to ensure primary healthcare delivery is not disrupted,” he added.

Earlier, during the Taifa Care Express event in Mombasa County, Senior Adviser to the Council of Economic Advisors, Moses Kuria, reassured CHPs that their outstanding payments would be settled promptly.

“I received a list of all unpaid CHPs during today’s closed-door session. I assure you that even the 40-plus individuals who missed December payments will be compensated by the end of this week,” he said.

He further emphasized, “Before salaries for the President, governors, or myself are processed, CHP payments will take precedence.

You are our frontline health workers, and we must safeguard your welfare.”

CHPs are currently engaged in a nationwide registration campaign under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

According to Kindiki, 17 million Kenyans have already been enrolled in the UHC programme, Taifa Care.

“While initial challenges have been addressed, the government is streamlining pending issues to ensure healthcare services are provided efficiently,” he said.