The Senate has approved amendments on the Primary Healthcare Bill, 2023 to strengthen devolution and protect gains made.
Senators rejected creation of the National Primary Healthcare Advisory Council led by the Cabinet Secretary and staffed by national government officers.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said he instead proposed the establishment of such councils in every county to coordinate the activities of primary healthcare.
The lawmaker said sponsors of the original draft aimed at undermining the progress that devolution has gained since inception.
"Using the National Primary Healthcare Advisory Council led by the CS will be like surrendering health functions to the national government indirectly,” Osotsi stated.
“The national government has been seeking plans to control already devolved functions but as the Senate we shall not allow that, and we must have sober laws that will end that.”
Other amendments included placing Community Health Volunteers under county governments and blocking the state from getting involved in their recruitment.
The amendment by Senator Osotsi gives the legal backing to counties to effect the seamless transition for CHVs.
Osotsi further proposed an amendment to safeguard community healthcare promoters from exploitation by the national government for political agendas.
The lawmaker, who chairs the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, convinced his colleagues to approve an amendment to Clause 13(a) that now obligated the national government to offer additional financial support to counties through grants, in line with existing laws on county governments.
"These grants will facilitate the payment of stipends to community healthcare promoters, among other primary healthcare obligations," Osotsi said.
The Primary Healthcare Bill, 2023 will be presented to National Assembly for consideration after the amendments.
"We call upon members of the National Assembly to pass the bill as amended by the Senate, recognising the importance of these changes in strengthening our healthcare system and preserving the principles of devolution," the senator said.
He termed the amendments as a historic moment for devolution and healthcare.
Already President William Ruto has engaged 100,000 CHVs and flagging off kits they will be using to offer services at community level.
Under the plan, the state will pay each CHV a monthly stipend of Sh2,500 with the county governments required to match the same to make the monthly payment Sh5,000.