KISUMU, Kenya Mar 8 – Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o has strongly opposed the National Government’s practice of directly paying stipends to Community Health Workers (CHWs), deeming it unconstitutional.
Nyong’o who also chairs the Council of Governor’s Health Committee argues that this method circumvents the established processes outlined in the law.
According to Nyong’o, County Governments, as stipulated in Article 235 of the constitution, hold the mandate to oversee such payments due to their autonomy.
He emphasizes that County Governments are responsible for supervising and supporting CHWs, as outlined in the Primary Health Care Act.
The Governor asserts that direct payment by the National Government undermines the supervisory role of County Governments and could result in a lack of accountability and transparency in fund utilization.
As a response, Nyong’o announces the decision to disallow direct payments to CHWs by the National Government, accepting such support only as a conditional grant.
He said the decision is grounded not only in legal and constitutional principles but also in the pursuit of good governance, accountability, and County government autonomy.
Nyong’o urges the National Government to respect the law and utilize acceptable and legal methods to support community health across the country.
The Governor reiterates that their stance is anchored in legal statutes, including Schedule 4 of the Kenyan Constitution (2010), which designates health as a function of County Governments.
Additionally, Article 202(2) of the constitution allows County Governments to receive additional allocations from the national government’s share of revenue, either conditionally or unconditionally, to manage and spend within their mandates.
Referring to the Primary Health Act of 2023, Nyong’o emphasizes that it mandates the National Government to appropriate and transfer funds to County Revenue funds for effective performance of County functions, including the payment of CHWs’ stipends.
He however, expressed willingness to accept support as a conditional grant to Kisumu County, emphasizing the importance of fidelity to the constitution and upholding the autonomy of County Governments in ensuring good governance and accountability in service delivery to the populace.