This article will answer the Question: Is Community Health and Development Marketable in Kenya
If you’re passionate about helping people and making a difference in your local community. A career in community health and development could be perfect for you. This field focuses on improving health and quality of life for entire communities through education, advocacy, and organizing.
Is Community Health and Development Marketable in Kenya?
In Kenya, the demand for community health workers is growing. The government recently announced plans to hire over 5,000 new community health volunteers to help provide basic healthcare and health education across the country.
Kenya’s Community Health Strategy 2020-2025 aims to provide basic prevention and care services to Kenyans. The strategy is anchored on an ambitious vision, mission, and goal whose realization is envisaged through seven strategic directions.
One of the strategic directions is to build a motivated, skilled, equitably distributed community health workforce.
The Community Health Volunteer (CHV) program is a part of this strategy. CHVs make home visits and deliver health promotion messages, treat common ailments and illnesses, and establish protocols for Community-Based Maternal and Newborn Health, among others.
CHVs are supervised by Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and operate within Community Health Units encompassing about 5,000 Kenyan citizens.
As of the end of 2019, Kenya had approximately 6,000 Community Health Units out of an expected 10,000. These Community Health Units are supported by 86,000 CHVs.
Therefore, colleges and universities are expanding programs in community health, and private organizations offer additional training and certifications.
While the work can be demanding, a career as a community health worker in Kenya offers the opportunity to follow your passion.
Salaries vary depending on experience and education, but you can make a living wage helping your community in a hands-on way.
If you want a career that lets you advocate for better health, improve lives, and strengthen your community, community health and development could be an inspiring and impactful choice. The field is growing, the jobs are there, and Kenya needs more people just like you.
Overview of Community Health and Development
So, you’re interested in community health and development in Kenya? This rapidly growing field focuses on improving health and living standards for entire communities. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
Community health and development workers identify and address issues affecting public health, like access to healthcare, education, proper nutrition, and safe living conditions.
The job typically requires a bachelor’s degree in public health, community development, or a related field. Coursework covers areas such as:
- Healthcare systems
- Community assessment
- Program planning
- Research methods
After graduating, you can find work with non-profits, government agencies, and healthcare organizations. Responsibilities may include:
- Conducting community outreach and education
- Organizing health promotion campaigns
- Evaluating community needs and resources
- Developing and implementing programs to improve health, living standards, and economic opportunity.
The average salary for entry-level roles is 70,000 to 150,000 Kenyan shillings per month. With a few years of experience, you can advance to program manager or director positions earning 200,000 shillings or more per month.
Community health and development is a growing and rewarding field in Kenya. If you want to make a real difference by empowering communities and changing lives, this career path is worth considering. With the right education and dedication, you can build a successful career improving the health and welfare of Kenyans in need.
Career Prospects for Community Health and Development Graduates in Kenya
As a community health and development graduate in Kenya, you’ll have many promising career opportunities.
Public Health Officer
As a public health officer, you can work for the government to promote community health by preventing diseases, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized community efforts.
According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a Public Health Officer in Nairobi, Kenya is KES 96,000 per month with an average salary of KES 60,000 per month.
The estimated additional pay is KES 36,000 per month and could include cash bonus, commission, tips, and profit sharing.
Alternatively, MySalaryScale estimates the average net salary for a Public Health Officer in Kenya to be KSh 50K per month.
Program Officer or Coordinator
Many non-profits and NGOs hire program officers and coordinators to oversee community health initiatives and development projects. You may be responsible for managing programs, writing grants, training staff, and monitoring progress.
According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a Program Officer in Nairobi, Kenya is KES 192,000 per month with an average salary of KES 144,000 per month. The estimated additional pay is KES 48,000 per month and could include cash bonus, commission, tips, and profit sharing.
Alternatively, SalaryExplorer estimates the average net salary for a Program Coordinator in Kenya to be KES 72,900 per month.
Also Checkout: List of NGOs that Employ Community Health workers in Kenya
Researcher
If you enjoy analyzing health trends and evaluating interventions, a career as a researcher could be rewarding. Researchers are employed at universities, research institutions and think tanks to study community health issues and recommend solutions.
However, the estimated total pay for a Researcher in Kenya is KES 94,144 per month with an average salary of KES 94,000 per month according to Glassdoor.
Consultant
As an independent consultant, you can provide your expertise to organizations and government agencies on a contractual basis. Consultants make around KSh 100,000 per month or more. The flexibility and pay can be appealing but work may be inconsistent.
According to PayScale, the average salary for a Health Consultant in Kenya is KSh 1,200,000 per year . This is equivalent to approximately KSh 100,000 per month
With a degree in community health and development, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to make a real difference in people’s lives. While salaries vary, this field offers many chances for a stable, meaningful career improving health in Kenya’s communities.
Top Colleges Offering Community Health and Development Courses in Kenya
In Kenya, there are several reputable colleges that offer courses in Community Health and Development.
Here are some of the top colleges in Kenya offering Community Health and Development courses:
- Kenyatta University: Offers a Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Development .
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology: Offers a Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Development .
- Maseno University: Offers a Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Development .
- Egerton University: Offers a Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Development .
- Mount Kenya University: Offers a Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Development .
Kenyatta University
Kenyatta University offers both diploma and degree programs in Community Health and Development. Their Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Development program takes 4 years and includes core courses in health education, public health, and project management.
Tuition fees are around KES 50,000 per semester for Kenyan citizens.
Egerton University
At Egerton University, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Community Development and Extension. This 4-year program focuses on community organization, advocacy, research methods, and program planning. Egerton University has a strong reputation for agriculture and community studies. Tuition is also around KES 50,000 per semester for Kenyan students.
University of Nairobi
The University of Nairobi provides a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development. This is a broad degree that covers community health, education, economics and more. The University of Nairobi is Kenya’s oldest and most prestigious university.
Fees are higher here, around KES 80,000 per semester for citizens. They also offer diploma and certificate programs in community health and community development.
These are some of the top colleges if you want to study Community Health and Development in Kenya.
While fees can seem high, many schools offer scholarships and sponsorships for students in these fields.
A degree in Community Health and Development can open up opportunities to work for NGOs, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and international aid programs.
The job market looks promising in Kenya, with average salaries of around KES 150,000 to 300,000 per month for experienced professionals.
Is Community Health and Development Marketable in Kenya?
Yes, Community health and development is a marketable course in Kenya with many opportunities for those interested in serving local communities. The demand for qualified professionals is high, especially in rural areas, so job prospects are promising if you pursue the proper education and skills.
Also,
According to a study published in the British Medical Journal Global Health, Kenya has made significant progress in increasing the number of health workers over the past decade. However, there are still significant gaps in the availability of health workers in rural areas.
The study also found that community health workers (CHWs) form an important element of many health systems in Kenya. These volunteers are the foundation for promoting behavior change through health education, earlier case identification, and timely referral to trained health care providers.
Education Requirements
To work in community health and development in Kenya, you will need at minimum a diploma or bachelor’s degree in a related field like public health, community development, or social sciences. Some positions may require a master’s degree.
Coursework typically covers topics such as healthcare management, social work, public policy, and research methods. Hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level jobs is also highly valued.
Career Paths and Salary ( Is Community Health and Development Marketable in Kenya)
With the right education and experience, you can find work as a community health officer, public health officer, project officer, or program manager.
Salaries vary but often range from 70,000 to 200,000 Kenyan shillings per month ($700 to $2,000 USD) for those just starting out.
More senior roles like program directors and managers typically make 120,000 shillings ($1,200 USD) per month or more.
Actual wages will depend on factors like location, employer, level of experience, and education.
The job outlook for community health and development professionals is positive in Kenya.
With population growth, urbanization, and greater access to healthcare, the demand for these roles is expected to increase over the coming decades.
If you want a career helping local communities thrive and promoting public well-being, community health and development could be a rewarding choice.
Estimated Tuition Fees for Community Health and Development Programs
Estimated Tuition Fees for Community Health and Development Programs
As a student interested in community health and development, the costs associated with the program are definitely something to consider.
Tuition fees can vary depending on the specific program and school, but you can expect to pay between KES 444,880 to KES 1,112,200 per year for a diploma or undergraduate degree at a college in Kenya.
For a diploma in Community Health and Development, tuition is often the most affordable, ranging from KES 444,880 to KES 1,018,500 per year at private colleges. Public colleges may charge slightly lower fees, around KES 436,500 to KES 727,500 annually. These 2-3 year programs provide a solid foundation in areas like public health, health education, and project management.
Bachelor’s degrees in Community Health, Public Health or Development Studies typically cost between KES 444,880 to KES 1,018,500 per year at private colleges in Kenya. Programs usually take 4 years to complete and cover health policy, healthcare administration, rural development, and research methods in greater depth. Some schools may charge higher fees for more specialized majors like Health Promotion and Education.
Several factors determine how much you end up paying for your program. The college’s status as public or private, program duration and field of study are all considerations.
You may also be eligible for scholarships, bursaries or student loans to help subsidize the costs. When choosing a school, be sure to explore all options to get the most affordable, high-quality education in community health and development.
The job opportunities and earning potential in these fields make the investment in your education well worth it. Graduates can work as community health workers, project coordinators, health educators, and program managers.
Expected Salary and Job Opportunities for Community Health and Development Graduates
Community health and development is an upcoming field in Kenya with many job opportunities for recent graduates.
According to recent surveys, the average starting salary for entry-level community health and development professionals in Kenya is around KES 150,000 to KES 250,000 per year.
Actual salaries may vary greatly based on factors like:
- Location and cost of living in different counties. Salaries are often higher in Nairobi and other large cities.
- Level of education. Those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in community health, public health or a related field will typically earn a higher salary.
- Years of experience. Salaries increase over the years as you gain more on-the-job experience.
- Job responsibilities. Positions with more responsibility, such as program managers or directors, offer higher pay.
Career Options
There are many in-demand career options for community health and development graduates in Kenya, including:
- Community health workers who provide basic health services and education in local communities.
- Program coordinators who help manage and organize community health programs and initiatives.
- Monitoring and evaluation specialists who track the progress and impact of community health programs.
- Health educators who teach people about health topics and healthy behaviors.
- Non-profit program managers who oversee community health programs at NGOs and charities.
The job market for community health and development professionals in Kenya is quite promising.
As the government and NGOs work to expand healthcare access, especially in rural areas, the demand for these roles is expected to grow over the coming years.
With the right education and experience, you can build a rewarding career helping to strengthen health and well-being in Kenyan communities.
Wrapping Up: Is Community Health and Development Marketable in Kenya
So there you have it, a glimpse into the world of community health and development in Kenya.
While the field itself may be niche, the impact is huge. If you’ve got a passion for helping others and improving lives, this career path could be very rewarding.
The salaries may not be the highest, but the job satisfaction seems to be.
There are many colleges offering programs to get you started, and the job prospects look good if you’re willing to work in rural or low-income areas.
Overall, community health and development in Kenya appears to be a growing, meaningful field.
If you want to make a difference, help strengthen communities, and promote health and well-being, this could be the career for you.