Eddy Ingutia

Travelling to Nanyuki for a workshop focused on co-creating an intervention that will take care of the mental well-being of CHPs was a memorable experience. Together, we explored the key challenges affecting CHPs and identified priority training areas such as Mental Health and Well-being Literacy, Doing What Matters (DWM) in times of Stress, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

What stood out most was recognizing both the similarities and differences in challenges faced by CHPs from Nairobi and Kiambu Counties. Professionally enriching discussions aside, I also appreciated the chance to enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Kenya, stand at the Equator, and experience the charm of the beautiful town of Nanyuki, an unforgettable bonus.

1st Annual Conference on Community Health Practice – Kisumu (26th–27th November 2025)

If I had to choose a highlight of my SHINE journey, the 1st Annual Conference on Community Health Practice in Kisumu would be it. This conference was intellectually stimulating and deeply impactful. We had in-depth discussions on critical issues affecting CHPs in the whole of Kenya at the grassroots level, including SHA registration, stipends, formal recognition of CHPs as a professional body, ECHIS, and the need for adequate and continuous training.

Interacting with CHPs from across the country was the true highlight. Despite the diverse contexts and challenges, one thing united everyone; passion for serving communities. Visiting Kisumu for the first time was a joy: the stunning views of Lake Victoria, the delicious food and fish, and the warmth of the people made the experience even more special. It was nothing short of fantastic. To top it, this experience gave me the opportunity to board a flight from Nairobi to Kisumu and back for the very first time!

Gratitude and Reflection

I sincerely appreciate the SHINE team for being supportive, approachable, and always ready to offer guidance. The interactions and lessons learned throughout this journey have been invaluable, making SHINE an incredibly enriching experience for me.

I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the County Public Health Director, Madam Terry, for her unwavering support throughout the project.
SHINE has not only strengthened systems, but it has touched lives, shifted perspectives, and reminded us that caring for those who care for communities is essential. I wish the SHINE team continued success and fulfillment in all they do.

Written by:

Charity Kabi, Community Health Assistant

NIHR_SHINE PROJECT

26th November 2025 is a date that will forever remain etched in my memory. It marked a first in my life, my very first time boarding an airplane, an experience made possible through LVCT Health under the NIHR-SHINE Project..

As preparations began, Ms. Patricia , who was coordinating SHINE activities during the data collection phase, played a crucial role in ensuring I was ready for the journey. She patiently guided me on what to expect, advised me on what to pack, especially considering Kisumu’s warm climate, and, most importantly, reassured me not to be afraid. Her confidence in me reminded me that I had been selected because I was capable and worthy of representing Nairobi CHPs participating in the SHINE Project. That encouragement meant everything.

At exactly 1200 hours, I boarded an Uber from Korogocho and arrived at the iconic Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by 1300 hours, a full hour before departure. There, I met Ms. Patricia and Charity -a Community Health Assistant from Kiambu County. After checking in, I finally had a moment to pause and absorb the magnitude of where I was. Standing in an international airport for the first time, I watched travellers hurry from one corner to another, each carrying their own destination and story. It felt surreal and deeply inspiring.

At 1530 hours, our JamboJet flight took off. As the plane ascended, I found myself suspended between fear and excitement. Being my first flight, every movement felt intense. Luckily, I had a window seat, which quickly became the highlight of my journey. From above, I admired the breathtaking scenery of Nairobi’s landscape, the vast Great Rift Valley, and eventually the stunning Lake Region of Kisumu. What I had always known as an almost eight-hour road journey, took just 50 minutes in the air. By 1630 hours, we had landed at Kisumu International Airport (KIA–DALA). The journey was short, smooth, and remarkably comfortable.

Upon arrival, I was introduced to other members of the SHINE team from LVCT Health, after which we proceeded to our hotel. Kisumu welcomed us with warm weather, friendly faces, and delicious local cuisine, especially the famous Tilapia fish freshly sourced from Lake Victoria. My ensuite hotel room overlooked Kisumu town, offering a calm and beautiful view that perfectly complemented the experience.

The primary purpose of the trip was to attend the 1st Community Health Services & Development Officers Association (CHESOA) Conference. I had the honour of speaking on behalf of CHPs engaged in the SHINE Project, sharing how the study had impacted our lives and the key lessons we had learned along the way. Another of the my memorable moments was witnessing the Governor of Kisumu County, Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o, officially open the conference as the Chief Guest. His acknowledgment, especially his remarks on the need for fair and improved remuneration for CHPs, was both encouraging and affirming.

Throughout the conference, I interacted with fellow CHPs from various counties across Kenya. I learned about innovative community health practices, exchanged experiences, and gained new skills from different implementing partners and government-led projects. The second day was filled with rich panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions addressing the real challenges CHPs face and exploring best practices for strengthening Level One Community Health Services.

On 28th November, it was time to return to Nairobi. Surprisingly, the excitement of going back to the airport matched the thrill of my first departure. After breakfast, I eagerly awaited our Uber, determined to savour every last moment from the check-in process to one final glance at the beauty of Kisumu. True to form, the flight back took exactly 50 minutes, and we landed safely at JKIA at 1510 hours.
This entire experience is one I will forever cherish, not just personally, but also as a memory I proudly share with my family. Beyond the travel and the conference, the most powerful realisation was discovering that CHPs across the country face remarkably similar challenges, regardless of where they are stationed.

I am deeply grateful to the NIHR-SHINE Project. Through it, I have gained valuable knowledge on healthy coping skills and learned an important truth: while we may not always avoid stress, what truly matters is how we respond to it and navigate through it.

This journey reminded me that growth often begins the moment we step beyond fear, and sometimes, that step starts with boarding a plane for the very first time.

Written by:

Henry Makori, Community Health Promoter

Korogocho, Nairobi County- Kenya.

When I first heard about a project coming to my work Ward, Kijabe, one thing immediately caught my attention: the name SHINE. It sparked curiosity and excitement. I couldn’t wait to learn what it was all about. The moment I discovered that SHINE focused on the mental well-being of Community Health Promoters (CHPs), I was instantly hooked. This was something deeply relevant to my daily work and the realities we face on the ground.

As a Community Health Assistant (CHA), my role involves supporting CHPs during home visits, planning and facilitating monthly meetings, coordinating community activities, and responding to various community needs. Working so closely with CHPs means we interact daily, and through these interactions, one thing is clear: CHPs carry heavy burdens. They absorb the social, financial, emotional, and health-related struggles of the communities they serve. Coupled with demanding household visits and high expectations, this responsibility often takes a toll on their mental well-being.

My Role in the SHINE Project

Being part of the SHINE Project was both an honour and a learning experience. My role involves supporting the LVCT Health research team in organising and coordinating CHPs and community members during data collection. I actively participated in interviews, dissemination of findings, and most importantly, the selection of CHPs who took part in participatory research methods such as photovoice, body mapping, and life history interviews.

One of my proudest moments was receiving feedback that the Lari team was incredibly cooperative and engaged throughout the study. Seeing their commitment and enthusiasm affirmed the strength of teamwork and trust built through SHINE. During the gallery exhibition, I felt immense pride witnessing the powerful stories and creativity showcased by Team Lari, their work truly spoke volumes.

Impact of SHINE on CHPs and on Me

Through SHINE, CHPs have gained the ability to identify their stressors and motivators, and more importantly, to adopt healthy coping mechanisms to support their mental well-being. These are skills that go beyond work; they touch every aspect of life.

Personally, I have benefited immensely from the SHINE study. I am now more intentional about taking care of my own mental health, both professionally and personally. The study also gave me the opportunity to interact with CHAs and CHPs from Nairobi County, allowing us to share experiences, ideas, and strategies for improving community service delivery. These exchanges were enriching and eye-opening.

Written by:

Charity Kabi, Community Health Assistant

Kiambu County, Kenya

In Bangladesh, community health workers (CHWs) play an indispensable role in delivering health services to every corner of the country, often under extremely challenging conditions. Their commitment is unwavering, but the path they walk is quite literally filled with obstacles.

The most common mode of travel for CHWs is by foot. While they also rely on local transports like rickshaws, vans, boats, motorbikes, and auto-rickshaws, using these vehicles often costs them valuable time and money or resources they can scarcely afford. Many of the roads they must navigate are poorly maintained, becoming muddy and nearly impassable during the rainy season. In some areas, rivers that serve as main transport routes dry out during the dry season, forcing CHWs to switch between multiple modes of transportation just to reach a single destination.

Beyond these physical and logistical barriers lies a deeper, gendered challenge. In districts where fishing is a major livelihood, a local superstition claims that carrying women on boats will reduce the day’s fish catch. Consequently, boatmen often refuse to transport female CHWs. Even when women are allowed aboard, they frequently face harassment: unfairly inflated fares, verbal intimidation, and, at times, even threats of harm.

For many CHWs, walking long distances remains the only viable option. In numerous upazilas, local transportation is either scarce or nonexistent. Carrying heavy equipment across rough terrains under the scorching sun or pouring rain is part of their daily reality. And as the day stretches on, many CHWs find themselves still providing services as night falls. Getting back home becomes a risky business, with dark, poorly maintained roads posing serious safety threats, especially for female workers traveling alone.

To cope with these persistent challenges, CHWs often take precautionary measures. They avoid certain routes known to be unsafe, even if it means walking longer distances. Sometimes, they wait for long hours just to find a safer or more convenient mode of transport. Many also request their husbands or other family members to accompany them during field visits to ensure their safety. However, all these coping mechanisms come at a personal cost: CHWs frequently have to pay for their commute out of their own pockets, adding financial strain to their already heavy burdens.

Despite these exhausting and often dangerous journeys, transportation allowances, if provided at all are minimal, leaving CHWs to shoulder the physical, emotional, and financial burdens alone.

The struggles of Bangladesh’s CHWs to reach their communities highlight the urgent need for better support systems, fair compensation, and safer transportation options. Their tireless dedication deserves not just recognition, but concrete action to ease their burden and honor their service.

Written by:

Semonty Jahan, Senior Research Associate,

BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University