Katilu – April 10, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The County Health Management Team, led by Dr. Esekon Joseph Epem, County Executive for Health and Sanitation Services, conducted a series of Community-Led Monitoring Dialogues with Community Health Promoters (CHPs) across Aroo, Suguta and Turkana East sub-counties.
The engagements brought together sub-county and ward leadership, including Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), as part of a deliberate effort to strengthen collaboration, accountability, and advocacy for Community Health Services (CHS).
Agnes Mana, the Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Services, and Dr. Lolepo Joseph, Director, Community Health Services, emphasized the importance of inclusive engagement in improving service delivery.
Dr. Epem stressed the strategic value of involving local leadership.
“We decided to involve Members of the County Assembly to create an opportunity for engagement, so they understand, appreciate, and advocate for Community Health Services in budgeting and appropriations,”
He further highlighted the critical role of CHPs saying, “CHS is the foundation of our health system, the first line of response. These are the frontline soldiers on matters health, and the reason we initiated this strategy for evidence-based, community-driven advocacy,”
The CECM noted that the Department has updated its database, capturing approximately 2,600 CHPs in Turkana, assuring that stipend payments will now be streamlined and timely.
“Under the leadership of Governor Lomurkai Napotikan, budget allocation to CHS has improved, especially for stipends, and we will ensure consistency going forward,” he added.
Agnes Mana called on CHPs to intensify registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that Turkana still ranks low nationally.
“We have only registered about 20% of our population, placing the county at 43 out of 47. Low registration affects resource allocation to our health facilities. Let us ensure all eligible household members are registered,”
Dr. Lolepo acknowledged the County Assembly’s support in allocation of CHPs stipends. He however, emphasized the need for increased investment in broader CHS operations.
“Previously, CHS received approximately KES 108 million, largely for stipends. We are requesting enhanced allocation to support critical operations such as community dialogues, defaulter tracing and strengthening health committees.”
The Aroo Sub-County Focal Person for Community Health, Clementine Katana, highlighted strong performance indicators.
“Aroo is supported by 220 CHPs and 22 Community Health Assistants. We have achieved a 90% reporting rate, trained CHPs on ethics, activated 10 Community Health Committees, and reached 75% household visitation,”
Director for Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Lobokan James emphasized the transition to digital systems to improve reporting and performance tracking.
“We are prioritizing CHP reporting performance. With the rollout of digital systems such as eCHIS and strong focus on SHA registration, we expect improved outcomes,”
The dialogues also saw active participation from MCAs including Hon. Willy Naliwo (Kapedo/Napeitom), Hon. Willy Napuyo (Lokori/Kochodin) and Hon. Aemun Michael (Kaputir), alongside county and sub-county health teams, ward and village administrators, and Community Health Committees.
The Community-Led Monitoring Dialogues mark a significant step in strengthening grassroots engagement, enhancing accountability, and advancing community-driven health systems in Turkana County.
