The National Assembly has approved a bill that aims at recognising and payment of community health workers.

The Community Health Workers Bill, 2022 (National Assembly Bill No. 53 of 2022) is sponsored by Ndhiwa Member of Parliament Martin Owino.

The bill seeks to establish a legal framework to acknowledge the essential role of health workers and incorporate them into the government payroll. It proposes the creation of the Community Health Workers Council of Kenya, which will regulate and standardize the operations of CHWs, ensuring professionalism and effectiveness in their work.

“Community health workers are very important as they work directly with the community. The community health worker knows the homesteads in the area he or she lives in and is familiar with the language of the people and the challenges facing society,” Owino said, as quoted by parliament’s website.

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Seme MP James Nyikal the importance of community-based healthcare.

“Worldwide, it is clear that community members play a significant role in healthcare delivery, from traditional midwives to health educators. Strengthening and empowering CHWs is essential for improving health outcomes,” Nyikal said.

Francis Sigei, Sotik MP, also lauded the bill and what it seeks to provide.

“These health warriors ensure our nation remains healthy and productive. Without their efforts in combating diseases within communities, our healthcare system would falter,” Sigei stated.

Marsabit County Women Representative Naomi Waqo said the workers need training in order to make them more relevant.

“While the qualifications for these community health workers are clearly defined in the bill, we must make sure that these health workers consistently receive the requisite training to ensure that they are always relevant with every new challenge that faces our communities,” Waqo said.

The bill now heads to the Senate.