Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has announced comprehensive reforms aimed at improving the working conditions of more than 2,200 grassroots workers to boost service delivery across the county.
Speaking during a public engagement forum in Malava, the governor said the county government will begin implementing the improvements next year, covering community health promoters (CHPs), Community Youth and Women Empowerment Programme (CY-CWEP) workers, Community Area Council (CAC) members, and Kazi Mashinani employees.
Governor Barasa said that better facilitation of frontline workers was key to achieving effective service delivery.
“Starting next year, your working conditions will be up to standard to positively impact service delivery to our people,” he said.
CHPs demand drugs, bicycles, updated phones, and payment of arrears
The 540 community health promoters, through their chairperson Reuben Songa, raised concerns over inadequate resources that hinder their ability to respond to emergencies at the grassroots level.
They called for the provision of basic medication for primary treatment, replacement of outdated mobile phones, and additional bicycles to ease mobility. Only 43 bicycles were issued in the last allocation, despite the team numbering more than 500.
The CHPs also highlighted irregular and unexplained deductions from their monthly stipend, leaving many earning between KSh 1,500 and KSh 1,700, down from the original KSh 2,500.
Songa noted that many CHPs have completed the integrated case management course and are trained to treat common ailments.
“We need enough bicycles and a consistent supply of drugs so we can attend to more cases without unnecessary referrals,” he said.
CY-CWEP workers pledge support as they hail program
The Community Youth and Women Empowerment Programme (CY-CWEP), made up of 350 workers, appreciated the governor for initiating the program, which they said had uplifted the livelihoods of many households.
Through their representative, Mama Judith Salome, the group pledged their continued support for Governor Barasa’s second-term bid.
Kazi Mashinani workers back Barasa, Ndakwa
Recha Jackson, representing the 350-member Kazi Mashinani team, assured the governor of their full support both for his re-election and for David Ndakwa in the Malava by-election under the broad-based agreement.
CAC members say they have been idle for six years
CAC members, represented by Jackline Sasala, expressed frustration at having remained inactive since their appointment six years ago. Their appointment letters have expired, and their stipends stopped.
They requested renewal of their appointment letters, revival of stipends, registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA), and facilitation to address the five key community chambers—health, education, roads, agriculture and water.
They also noted that lack of facilitation has hindered meetings with community, ward, and sub-county administrators.
Governor responds to grievances
In his response, Governor Barasa assured workers that their issues would be addressed promptly.
He pledged that:
- CHP contracts will be maintained since the workers are trained.
- He will engage the Health CECM to ensure drugs are provided.
- He will speak with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to secure funding for replacement mobile phones in the next financial year.
- Stipend arrears will be paid by next week, following a directive to the Chief Officer.
- The county will pay SHA medical cover for all CHPs.
- Additional bicycles will be issued next year to enhance mobility.
- CY-CWEP contracts will be renewed due to their exemplary performance.
- CAC appointment letters will be renewed, and they will be facilitated to begin active work.
Barasa added that he will hold a meeting with CAC representatives after the Malava by-election to map out a collaboration plan for grassroots development. “You are our grassroots opinion shapers,” he said. “When you hold your meetings, include our CAC teams so we can work together to accelerate development.”
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