CS Wahome promises to lobby Ruto for increased stipends for grassroots workers

Speaking during a development meeting in Kakuzi, Gatanga Constituency, Murang'a County, Wahome praised President William Ruto's administration for introducing stipends for the community workers, describing the initiative as a significant step towards recognising their role in supporting government programmes.

The CS said she would present their request for better remuneration to President Ruto for consideration, expressing optimism that the current stipends could eventually be upgraded to allowances or salaries.

"Hii serikali ya William Ruto, ambaye mimi ni waziri, ndiyo kwanza imeleta hiyo stipend. Hata tutasukuma serikali na nyinyi tuambie sasa wa-move from stipend to allowance ama salary," Wahome said.

She urged the workers to appreciate the progress made so far, crediting President Ruto for ensuring that the payments were introduced.

Wahome further singled out Community Health Promoters, noting that the programme had evolved from an initially uncertain arrangement into a more structured system.

She said the health workers had also been incorporated into the Social Health Authority (SHA), describing the move as another milestone in the government's efforts to strengthen community healthcare.

"Hawa wenzangu wa community health promoters, hapo mwanzo ilikuwa elfu mbili pia, na hata haikuwa na guarantee itaingia. Sasa wako kwa mtandao hata ya afya yao wenyewe, wako kwa SHA," she said.

Nominated Senator Veronica Maina, who accompanied the Cabinet Secretary, backed calls for increased stipends, arguing that village elders and community health workers deserve better financial support to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

Maina also urged the grassroots workers to promote peace and political tolerance as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.

The Community Health Promoters and village elders, meanwhile, welcomed the government's decision to introduce the stipends, saying the payments had motivated them to continue serving residents despite the challenges associated with their duties.

The workers expressed hope that the government would consider reviewing the payments upwards to reflect their growing responsibilities in their respective communities.