Dadaab Member of Parliament Farah Maalim has termed the Sh5,000-a-month stipend for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) as a meagre.
Speaking on Citizen TV on Tuesday, Maalim argued that paying the CHPs Sh5,000 would be an insult.
"Considering the rate of inflation, paying CHPs Sh5,000 per month is insulting. There's so much wastage in government, money which could be used to pay the promoters well," he said.
However, Maalim applauded the move to have CHPs but he said the only problem is the amount they are set to be paid.
"In my opinion even if we give them Sh20,000 and tell the county government and the central government to contribute Sh10,000, it's only Sh2 billion at the end of the year," Maalim said.
His statement was also supported by Governance Expert Philip Kisia who questioned how one could survive with such an amount.
"How does somebody survive with Sh5,000 and you call that employment, is that not unemployment?" Kisia questioned.
The Ministry of Health announced that 100,000 Community Health Promoters will be officially unveiled on Mashujaa Day.
The CHPs are trained members of the community who work as a link between the community and formal health facilities.
By nature of their job, they will be required to interact with the people at the community level and get the relevant health information that will help in referral and policymaking at the national level.
The CHPs will be given kits and gadgets through which they will be able to collect data from the community.
According to the Ministry of Health, the kits will be essential tools for household screening by the CHPs who will be at the centre of Universal Health Coverage.
President Ruto has in the past emphasised the role of CHPs in the attainment of the government’s Universal Healthcare (UHC) agenda.
Ruto on September 25, 2023, flagged off 100,000 kits to be used by Community Health Promoters for household screening.
The kits are part of the government's aim to empower and equip CHPs with essential tools to enhance healthcare access and promote healthier communities to achieve this goal.
The Council Of Governors Chairperson Anne Waiguru also affirmed their support and obligation to ensure the initiative succeeds.