Kenya Revamps Training for Community Health Workers

Kenya’s Ministry of Health has launched a major overhaul of its community health workforce training program, aiming to strengthen preventive and promotive care at the grassroots. More than 107,800 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) across all 47 counties are now undergoing a redesigned curriculum, developed in collaboration with the Global Fund and Amref Health Africa, to better equip them for emerging health challenges.
The new training is more comprehensive than before, covering both basic and technical modules — from maternal and child health, disease prevention, and nutrition, to non‑communicable disease support and community surveillance. To support digital tracking, community health promoters are also being trained on how to use the e‑Community Health Information System (eCHIS), enabling real-time data collection and more coordinated referrals.
Counties are playing a key role in rollout: Kiambu recently launched a 10-day training for over 2,000 CHPs, integrating entrepreneurship lessons in partnership with Amref and the Mastercard Foundation — to build both health and livelihood skills. In Kirinyaga, more than 1,200 CHPs have already been trained in basic health screening, referrals, and use of mobile devices for data reporting.
Analysts and health officials say this renewed emphasis on training reflects Kenya’s long-term vision for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). By empowering CHPs with improved skills, digital tools, and business knowledge, the Ministry aims to strengthen the first line of care, reduce pressure on health facilities, and make healthcare more accessible in hard-to-reach communities.