Lawyer and Kisumu Senate aspirant Fred Odumo has pledged to champion better remuneration, welfare and legal protection for Community Health Promoters (CHPs), saying the frontline health workers have been neglected for years despite forming the backbone of Kenya’s primary healthcare system.

Speaking during a meeting with more than 200 Community Health Promoters from Kisumu West Constituency on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Kotetni AIC Church, Odumo said CHPs play a critical role in disease prevention, maternal and child healthcare, immunisation campaigns and health education, yet many continue to serve without adequate compensation or basic working tools.

“The biggest challenge facing CHPs is their welfare and livelihood. They are the first point of contact whenever there is a health emergency in our communities, but they have not been taken care of properly. Many of them do not receive stipends, and it is unacceptable that people who spend their days taking care of the sick cannot afford treatment when they themselves fall ill,” said Odumo.

Proper facilitation

He said the government must move beyond merely recognising community health promoters in law and ensure they are properly facilitated to perform their duties.

“You cannot build a strong healthcare system while ignoring the people who work at the grassroots. CHPs reduce the burden on hospitals by detecting illnesses early, educating families and ensuring expectant mothers, children and the elderly receive timely healthcare. Investing in them is investing in the health of every household in Kisumu,” he said.

Odumo noted that although the Health Act, 2017 and the Primary Health Care Act, 2023 recognise community health promoters as an integral part of Kenya’s healthcare system, there is still an urgent need to address issues of remuneration, welfare, insurance cover, training and provision of working tools.

He said the pending Community Health Providers Bill before the Senate should comprehensively address these concerns and promised to push for its passage if elected senator.

“As Senator, I will be your voice in Parliament. I will work with fellow legislators to ensure the pending law is passed and that Community Health Promoters receive fair stipends, proper medical cover, protective gear and the dignity they deserve. We cannot continue relying on volunteers to sustain our healthcare system without recognizing their contribution,” he said. 

Odumo further pledged to lobby both the national and county governments to allocate more resources towards community healthcare programmes, saying preventive healthcare is cheaper and more effective than treating diseases after they become severe.

He also promised to purchase uniforms for Community Health Promoters across Kisumu County and provide a 100-seater tent to support their community outreach programmes, health campaigns and public sensitisation activities.

“I want every Community Health Promoter to be easily identified while serving residents. Proper uniforms give them identity, dignity and public confidence. The tent will also support your meetings, outreach programmes and community health activities without having to struggle for venues,” he added. 

Community Health Promoters who attended the meeting welcomed the pledges, saying poor pay and difficult working conditions continue to undermine their efforts despite the essential services they provide.

Margaret Otieno, a Community Health Promoter from Otonglo, said many CHPs continue to work under difficult circumstances.

“We hope Fred Odumo will be elected because he has listened to our concerns. We have suffered for years due to irregular or non-existent stipends. Sometimes we walk long distances visiting households without transport or financial support, yet communities depend on us every day. Better welfare will motivate us to serve even more effectively,” she said.

Milka Otieno, a Community Health Promoter from Nyalenda, said Odumo had demonstrated a clear understanding of the health sector.

“He understands the importance of health and safety and appreciates the work Community Health Promoters do every day. We need leaders who will stand with us and fight for better working conditions and recognition,” she said.

Bernard Odhiambo, a Community Health Promoter from Central Kisumu, said improving the welfare of CHPs would directly improve healthcare outcomes across the county.

“When Community Health Promoters are supported with proper stipends, uniforms and equipment, they are able to reach more households, educate families on disease prevention, monitor patients and encourage early treatment. Strengthening CHPs means building a healthier Kisumu,” he said.