The County Government of Kakamega has successfully conducted a comprehensive multi-sectoral testing phase for a groundbreaking digital payment platform designed to streamline stipend disbursements to its Community Health Promoters (CHPs).
This initiative marks a significant leap in enhancing efficiency and accountability within Kenya’s devolved health systems, aligning with the national push for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The testing exercise, co-chaired by Chief Officer for Public Health Mrs. Rose Muhanda and Chief Officer for ICT Mr. Suleiman Wanekeya, convened key stakeholders from the health and technology sectors.
Their collaborative effort focused on piloting a user-friendly digital interface that promises to transform the payroll process for over 4,400 CHPs serving across Kakamega’s expansive wards.
“This platform isn’t just about payments—it’s about empowering our frontline health warriors with tools that foster transparency and performance,” said Mrs. Muhanda during the wrap-up session, emphasizing the system’s role in bridging gaps in community-level healthcare delivery.
At the heart of the new system are several anticipated benefits that address longstanding challenges in CHP remuneration. Foremost is the elimination of payment discrepancies, which have plagued manual processes and led to delays in stipend releases.
The platform will enable simplified tracking of payroll transactions, allowing for real-time monitoring and swift resolution of issues. For CHPs enrolled in county-based Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs), the system introduces automated and timely loan deductions, reducing administrative burdens and financial risks.
Moreover, it lays the groundwork for integrating performance-based contracts, where incentives tied to service metrics could reward high-impact work, ultimately boosting accountability and elevating health outcomes in underserved areas.
This digital overhaul comes on the heels of Kakamega’s recent stipend enhancement, with the monthly allowance for CHPs rising from KSh 2,000 to KSh 2,500—a move that notices the county’s commitment to fortifying community health infrastructure.
Nationally, the Kenyan government has ramped up support for CHPs, disbursing KSh 3 billion in February 2024 to cover stipends for 107,000 promoters under a 50:50 cost-sharing model with counties.
Kakamega’s initiative builds on this momentum, incorporating elements like electronic data collection via smartphones—already distributed to CHPs—to ensure payments align with verifiable service delivery.
Adding fresh expertise to the helm, Mr. Suleiman Wanekeya brings a wealth of technical acumen to his role as ICT Chief Officer, a position he assumed just a month ago following his nomination by Governor Fernandes Barasa in July 2025.
With a robust background as Head of IT at Nzoia Sugar Company and a prominent cement production firm in Nairobi, Wanekeya’s appointment signals Kakamega’s strategic pivot toward tech-driven governance.
“Digital tools are the backbone of efficient service delivery. We’re not just testing a system; we’re building a future where technology serves the people seamlessly,” Wanekeya remarked, highlighting his vision for scalable e-government solutions.
Kakamega County is increasingly positioned as a frontrunner among Kenya’s 47 counties in leveraging digital portals to amplify resident services. As more than 50% of counties have distributed CHP kits and smartphones by mid-2025, Kakamega’s proactive testing positions it ahead in operational efficiency.
Experts predict this could serve as a blueprint for other devolved units grappling with inconsistent stipend payments, which currently range from KSh 2,000 to 3,500 monthly across regions.
As the platform transitions from testing to full rollout in the coming weeks, local health advocates are optimistic about its ripple effects. “For us CHPs, timely and accurate payments mean we can focus on what we do best: saving lives in our villages,” shared one promoter from Butere Sub-County, echoing sentiments from the 13 million Kenyans who have benefited from CHP services nationwide.
Governor Barasa’s administration continues to champion such innovations as part of its six-point agenda, promising a healthier, more equitable Kakamega. With the digital payroll now in sight, the county edges closer to a truly responsive health ecosystem—one click at a time.