Motivational Factors that Influence Retention of Community Health Workers in a Kenyan District

Abstrac t Retention of Co mmun ity Health Workers is important for continuity of health services at the Co mmunity level. The study assessed the motivational approaches that determine the retention of co mmunity health workers in Busia, Kenya. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to collect data from the CHWs and other stakeholders. A total of 300 questionnaires were ad min istered to the CHWs in while six key informants and seven focus group discussions were held. The study revealed that among the CHWs interviewed, about 30% had served for at least 3 years. Only 2% of the CHWs who had been retained considered recognition as being able to motivate them to be retained, while 40% perceived recognition by the community as a determinant that would retain them. Cu rrently 88 % of them acknowledge reimbursements as motivation factor for them to continue serving as CHW. The current motivational determinants are recognition by the community members, skill develop ment, provision incentives and supervision. The perceptions of the CHWs on retention include; community support and health care system support. Pro mpt provision of the working materials fo r the CHWs like bags, CHWs kit, and report ing materials; harmonize the workload for the CHWs in order to improve on quality of care.