KMPDU boss Atellah calls for better working conditions for community health promoters

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General and Lang’ata Parliamentary aspirant Dr. Davji Atellah has pledged to push for improved working conditions for Community Health Promoters (CHPs), including timely payment and adequate facilitation, if elected to Parliament.

Dr. Atellah made the commitment during a meeting with CHPs in Mugumoini, Lang’ata, where he listened to their concerns about the challenges they face while providing healthcare services to residents.

The CHPs raised concerns over inadequate facilitation, delayed payments and limited resources, which have affected their ability to deliver services to communities.

Dr. Atellah said he would use his position to advocate for the welfare of CHPs, drawing parallels with his efforts to champion the rights of doctors and nurses through the KMPDU.

“Zile vitu zenu ambazo zinafaa ziskumwe, mkinipatia nafasi, ntaenda nizungumze kama nyinyi tu,” Dr. Atellah said.

He noted that the CHPs' uniforms, branded with the Nairobi City County logo, were inadequate, with some workers reporting that they had only one uniform.

“Uniform naona zimeandikwa Nairobi City County, na mmesema mko na moja tu; wash and wear. Niko na mkutano na Governor wa Nairobi, nitamwambia lazima aangalie hii mambo ya uniform ya CHPs wa Lang’ata,” he said.

Dr. Atellah further pledged to raise concerns over delayed payments, saying CHPs deserved the same attention he has given to the welfare of doctors and nurses.

“Tuhakikishe kuwa wakati mishahara zenu zimedelay, jinsi tunavyopigania nurses na madaktari, mishahara zenu pia lazima izungumziwe pale Parliament, kwa sababu mko na haki kama Mkenya mwingine yeyote,” he said.

The KMPDU boss said his engagement with CHPs was part of his approach to leadership, promising to maintain consultations with healthcare workers and other residents if elected Lang’ata MP in the 2027 General Election.

“Vile nimekutana na nyinyi leo ndio vile tutakuwa tunakutana kutatua shida zenu. Kwa hivyo huu mwendo wa kuenda Parliament, nataka mtembee na mimi,” he said.

Dr. Atellah, who has declared his intention to contest the Lang’ata parliamentary seat, said strengthening primary healthcare must begin with investing in the workers who provide services at the community level.

He pledged to continue advocating for a healthcare system that supports and protects healthcare workers, promising to ensure that no healthcare worker or community is left behind.