Isiolo Community Health Promoters threaten to strike over unpaid 12 months stipend

Community Health Promoters from Isiolo's Bulapesa, Wabera, Burat, Ngaremara, and Oldonyiro wards have issued a one-week ultimatum to the county government to pay their pending monthly stipends from last year.

The CHPs threatened to shut down their tools starting September 1 if Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo's administration fails to remit them their pending dues of Sh30,000.

Led by Mary Gacheri, Chairperson of the Isiolo Sub-County Community Health Promoters, public health workers expressed their frustration, citing the county's failure to uphold part of its agreement with the national government as evidence of its disregard for their efforts.

"The national government has been paying us Sh2,500 until June this year, but the county has not honoured its bit in the last 12 months," she said.

Previously known as Community Health Volunteers, CHPs provide prenatal care, immunisations, nutrition education, and treatment for common illnesses like the flu during home visits. Each CHP is responsible for the health of 100 households.

The workers stated that previous efforts to secure payment from the county government had stalled, with senior officials repeatedly claiming a lack of funds.

Abdi Farah said many of them were struggling to fend for their families, forcing them to survive on debt, and that their plight was an indication that the county was not appreciating their work promoting preventive healthcare.

"The county government is inconsiderate and insensitive to our needs. He said, "The stipend does not match the community work we perform, yet we are not receiving our dues."

They reported instances where they slept on empty stomachs due to a lack of food, and their children spent months at home due to fee arrears.

"We're tired of being taken around. We want our dues paid because we have already delivered the required services," Mary said.

Another CHP, Madina Dima, expressed fear that their children might not report back to school for the third term due to unpaid stipends.

"We do not have money to facilitate their return to school, let alone pay their school fees," she said.

If their dues are not paid by September 1, the CHPs said they will, besides boycotting work, hold peaceful protests at the county offices until their grievances are addressed.

When contacted for comment, Deputy Governor James Lowasa, who also serves as the County Health Executive, did not respond to calls or messages from the Eastleigh Voice by the time of publication.