Community Health Promoters (CHPs) are increasingly being recognized as a vital link between households and the healthcare system, serving as the first point of contact for essential health services. Their role goes beyond providing preventive care and referrals; they are also champions of healthier lifestyles and play a central part in advancing Primary Health Care (PHC), which forms the backbone of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
To ensure CHPs can continue making an impact, the government has introduced initiatives aimed at empowering them economically while sustaining their health-related contributions. This approach emphasizes not only the delivery of healthcare services but also the economic resilience and well-being of the promoters themselves.
At the heart of this empowerment agenda is the integration of entrepreneurial initiatives designed to equip CHPs with vital skills in financial literacy, resource management, and small-scale business development. These capacities will allow them to supplement their incomes, improve their livelihoods, and remain motivated in their service to communities. By aligning health service delivery with income-generating opportunities, CHPs can thrive both as caregivers and as entrepreneurs.
Partnerships play a crucial role in the rollout of these empowerment initiatives. Collaborative efforts with organizations such as AMREF Health Africa, financial institutions like Kenya Commercial Bank, and government departments responsible for cooperatives and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are creating opportunities for CHPs to access training and support. These stakeholders are providing the framework to scale entrepreneurial programs nationwide, ensuring that no promoter is left behind.
The broader aim is to enhance the sustainability of community health work by strengthening the morale and commitment of CHPs. With stronger economic foundations, they are better positioned to dedicate their time and energy to serving households, facilitating early disease detection, and building effective community–facility linkages. This dual approach of health promotion and economic empowerment promises a win-win outcome: healthier communities supported by motivated and financially secure health promoters.
By integrating entrepreneurship into community health, the government is not only reinforcing the importance of CHPs in achieving UHC but also addressing their socio-economic needs. This holistic model sets the stage for a stronger, more resilient health system anchored in empowered individuals at the community level.
