Community Health Volunteers Receive Two-Month Stipend For January And February, Offering Much-Needed Reprieve

Kisii governor Simba Arati addressing the community Health Volunteers at Gusii Stadium. Photo /Elizabeth Angira

By Elizabeth Angira  

Worth Noting:

  • The governor said community health volunteers have made significant contributions in accessing interior parts of the region to serve as the first line of defense in detecting and addressing health care issues.
  • He cited that they have passionately dedicated their time in educating residents on the essential health practices such as proper hygiene, sanitation, nutrition, and family planning.
  • “Our CHVs have also gone out to raise awareness and promote healthy behaviors, they can help prevent the spread of diseases and reduce mortality rates,” said Arati.
  • He further noted that CHVs have been trained to identify early signs and symptoms of common diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and maternal complications.
Kisii governor Simba Arati addressing the community Health Volunteers at Gusii Stadium. Photo /Elizabeth Angira

Speaking at Gusii stadium, during the engagement with Kisii County governor Simba Arati  said that his administration will ensure that  Community Health Volunteers (CHV) will receive their stipend every  month to sustain themselves.

Arati applauded them for an integral part they play in promoting uptake of healthcare services at community levels.

This includes maternal and child health, nutrition, family planning, and disease prevention and management.

They have also been instrumental in increasing health literacy and promoting healthy behaviors in their communities.

Arati said that his administration recognises the critical role that CHWs play in delivering primary health care and achieving universal health coverage.

It underscores the need for a just transition, undertaken with a gender equity and social inclusion lens, to protect quality jobs for women and other marginalized groups

The governor said community health volunteers have made significant contributions in accessing interior parts of the region to serve as the first line of defense in detecting and addressing health care issues.

He cited that they have passionately dedicated their time in educating residents on the essential health practices such as proper hygiene, sanitation, nutrition, and family planning.

Kisii governor Simba Arati addressing the community Health Volunteers at Gusii Stadium. Photo /Elizabeth Angira

“Our CHVs have also gone out to raise awareness and promote healthy behaviors, they can help prevent the spread of diseases and reduce mortality rates,” said Arati.

He further noted that CHVs have been trained to identify early signs and symptoms of common diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and maternal complications.

By conducting regular health screenings and assessments, they can identify individuals at risk and refer them to appropriate healthcare facilities for timely treatment.

His sentiments was echoed by Kisii Deputy governor Robert Monda , cited that most of the Community Health Volunteers  who are Women are educating young women about prenatal care, safe delivery practices, and postnatal care for both mothers and newborns. They have also promoted immunizations, growth monitoring, and nutrition programs to ensure the well-being of children.

“We have seen our CHVs mobilizing community members to actively participate in healthcare initiatives,  organizing health campaigns, community meetings, and workshops to promote health-seeking behavior, encourage health facility utilization, and address any prevailing health concerns,” he said.

The CHVs are working closely with healthcare professionals and local authorities to implement disease prevention and control strategies such as distributing mosquito nets to prevent malaria, promote vaccination programs, conduct awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS prevention, and advocate for safe water and sanitation practices.

Similar Posts by Mt Kenya Times:

By Elizabeth Angira

Senior Climate Reporter | The Mount Kenya Times ************************************************* Elizabeth Angira is a trailblazing climate journalist whose work bridges science, policy, and human impact. As Senior Climate Reporter at The Mount Kenya Times, she leads in-depth coverage on climate resilience, energy innovation, and sustainability across East Africa and beyond. Her storytelling has earned international acclaim, including a third-place win for “The Best Energy Story in Foreign Media” by the Global Energy Association in Moscow. Elizabeth’s portfolio reflects her commitment to excellence and advocacy: ************************************************* 🏆 Awards & Honors

    • African Journalist Gender Equality Award (2021) – FEMNET
    • Agenda 2063 African Women in Media Pitch Zone Award (2021 & 2022)
    • Media Council of Kenya Digital Awards – Agriculture, Food Security, and Sports Reporting
    • MERCK Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Award – Print & Online
    • National Association of Science Writers (NASW) Award – Science Writing
    • Global Energy Association Award (2025) – Third place for “The Best Energy Story in Foreign Media”, presented at the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall in Moscow
With a background in environmental science and a sharp eye for policy impact, Elizabeth is a trusted voice in climate discourse. She contributes to global panels, mentors emerging journalists, and champions inclusive narratives that amplify underrepresented voices in science and media.

Related Post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *