Community health workers in Kajiado County are appealing to the Senate to pass a Bill currently before the House that will provide legal recognition of their services.
According to their chairman Wycliffe Tubula, the workers said they were exposed during the coronavirus pandemic.
“During this Covid-19 pandemic, community health workers are exposed to the virus. We are not even being provided with protective gears while attending to patients in the rural areas,’’ he said.
In an interview with The Standard, the chairman noted that although they do voluntary work, they also need stable incomes.
"These people need allowances as a way to recognise their contribution and appreciate them for the work they are doing during the pandemic," said Tabula.
If the Bill is passed, counties will be compelled to recruit community health workers, pay them allowances and provide them with necessary protective gear.
Agatha Imbimi, a community worker in Ngong, said the government needs to increase motivation among community health workers.