A group of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Siaya County have yet to receive their monthly stipend under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme launched by President William Ruto in 2023.
The UHC initiative, which promised a monthly stipend and health insurance coverage for CHPs, is supposed to be jointly funded by the national and county governments. However, several CHPs, including those at Malunga Dispensary in Gem Wagai sub-county, say they have not received any payment since the programme’s launch.
Eunice Oyuga, one of the CHPs at Malunga Dispensary, expressed her frustration, noting that while other CHPs in different facilities had begun receiving their stipends, more than 10 of them in her facility had not seen any funds from the national government. She urged Siaya Governor James Orengo to step in and resolve the issue.
Her colleague, Pamela Pambo, echoed her concerns, adding that no one had provided an explanation for the discrepancy, despite their efforts to seek answers. “It’s frustrating that others are getting their payments while we are left in the dark,” she said.
Siaya County’s Executive Committee Member for Health, Dr. Martin K’Onyango, acknowledged the issue, assuring the affected CHPs that steps were being taken to resolve the problem. He explained that payments are handled by the Ministry of Health in Nairobi, and those who had not been paid likely had incorrect details on file. Dr. K’Onyango reassured them that the matter would be addressed promptly.
