The Kiambu County Government has launched a savings and credit cooperative society for 3,156 Community Health Promoters (CHPs), in a move aimed at strengthening their financial security and improving their economic welfare.
The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration, is expected to provide the frontline health workers with a structured platform to cultivate a saving culture, access affordable credit and invest in income generating ventures.
The county government has pledged Sh25 million to support the newly established Kiambu County Community Health Promoters Sacco Society, with the funds set to be disbursed in phases.
The first instalment of Sh5 million has already been released to the Sacco, providing an initial financial injection to support its operations and lay the foundation for its growth.
The establishment of the Sacco marks a significant step towards addressing the financial challenges faced by community health promoters, who play a critical role in delivering primary healthcare services at the grassroots.
The CHPs are the first point of contact between households and health facilities, helping bridge the gap between communities and the formal healthcare system.
Through household visits, health education, disease prevention initiatives and referrals, the promoters help strengthen access to essential healthcare services, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Despite their critical role in the health sector, the promoters have often faced economic challenges that limit their ability to improve their livelihoods.
The new Sacco is expected to provide a collective financial platform through which members can mobilise savings, access loans on favourable terms and pursue investments that will enhance their economic independence.
The county government’s phased financial support is also expected to strengthen the Sacco’s capital base as it develops into a sustainable financial institution for its members.
By bringing all 3,156 community health promoters under one cooperative society, the initiative seeks to promote financial inclusion while encouraging collective economic empowerment among workers who serve communities across Kiambu.
The Sacco is expected to provide members with an opportunity to move beyond individual savings and build a shared financial resource that can support personal development, household stability and long term investments.
The initiative also underscores the growing recognition of the need to complement investments in healthcare delivery with measures that improve the welfare of frontline health workers.
For Kiambu, the establishment of the Sacco represents an effort to strengthen the economic wellbeing of community health promoters while reinforcing their contribution to the county’s healthcare system.
The county government says the financial support will be rolled out in phases, with the initial Sh5 million already disbursed as the Sacco begins its operations.
