MPs Back National Framework for Community Health Promoters’ Recruitment and Pay
By Kelvin Kibet | Updated October 1, 2026
The National Assembly has backed a motion calling for a national framework to guide how Community Health Promoters are recruited, trained, paid and supported across Kenya.
What Parliament approved
The motion, sponsored by Tharaka MP George Murugara, asks government to create a more consistent policy for Community Health Promoters, who provide frontline services and link households with clinics and other parts of the formal health system.
MPs said the framework should cover recruitment standards, training, remuneration and career progression. They also raised the long-running question of how national and county governments should share responsibility for financing the programme.
Why the pay issue keeps returning
Community Health Promoters work close to households, often supporting health education, referrals, follow-up and preventive care. Because they operate at community level, the programme depends heavily on predictable local support, supplies and supervision.
Parliamentary budget documents from earlier periods show that contributions toward CHP programmes have varied by county, illustrating why lawmakers are asking for clearer national standards and financing arrangements.
A parliamentary motion does not create a salary scale
The National Assembly’s approval is important politically, but it does not automatically create a new pay structure. A remuneration system would still require policy development, budget approval and agreement on the responsibilities of national and county governments.
What implementation would need to answer
- Who recruits and supervises CHPs.
- What minimum training standards apply.
- How remuneration is shared between levels of government.
- Whether CHPs have a defined career path and progression system.
- How performance and programme outcomes are reported.
For patients, the key measure will be whether a national framework improves continuity of community-based care rather than simply creating another policy document.
Why Counties Matter to the Final Framework
Community health services are delivered close to households and depend heavily on county health systems. Any national framework will therefore need practical agreement on supervision, payment and reporting so that CHPs are not caught between national policy and county implementation.
