From 26th to 27th November 2025, the Strathmore PRISM team joined community health leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in Kisumu County for the Community Health Workers Association of Kenya (CHESOA) Annual Conference. The gathering provided a vibrant space for reflection, learning, and collaboration around the future of community health in Kenya.
Held under the theme “Reimagining Community Health Practice: Innovations, Partnerships, and Equity Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage,” the conference underscored the critical role of community health workers in strengthening Kenya’s health system. Participants explored emerging innovations, shared practical experiences from the field, and examined how partnerships can drive more equitable and sustainable health outcomes.
A key highlight of the conference was a dedicated side event hosted by the Strathmore PRISM team, focusing on “Professionalizing Kenya’s Community Health Promoters: Building a Sustainable and Equitable Workforce for Universal Health Coverage.” The session brought together diverse stakeholders to engage in thoughtful dialogue on the future of Kenya’s community health workforce.
Discussions during the session emphasized the need for stronger policy frameworks, institutional support, and equitable financing mechanisms to professionalize community health promoters. Participants reflected on the challenges faced by community health workers and explored practical pathways to enhance their recognition, capacity, and sustainability within the health system.
Beyond the formal sessions, the conference fostered meaningful connections and conversations, reinforcing the importance of collective action in advancing universal health coverage. For the Strathmore PRISM team, the experience reaffirmed the value of collaborative platforms in shaping policy, amplifying voices from the community, and driving evidence-informed solutions.
As Kenya continues to reimagine community health practice, such engagements remain vital in building a resilient, inclusive, and equitable health system—one that places community health workers at the centre of sustainable health transformation.
