Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) was established in the 1930s as a Hospitals’ Committee of the National Christian Council of Kenya (NCCK).
In 1946, the Committee was changed to the Protestant Churches Medical Association (PCMA) which acquired autonomous legal registration. Its mandate was limited to the distribution of Government grants to protestant churches’ health facilities in Kenya.
In 1982, the Association changed its name to the Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) with the broader mandate of facilitating the role of the Church in health care and healing.
CHAK is thus a technical support organization for member Church health facilities with core mandate in advocacy, lobbying, representation, health systems strengthening, programmes development, resource mobilization and capacity building.
CHAK organizational development and programmes are guided by six-year strategic plans. The MHUs, EXCO and Secretariat staff participate in the development of CHAK strategic plans and in policy making through the AGM and representation in EXCO.
Operationally, CHAK Secretariat plays a facilitative role by providing technical support, capacity building, coordination, advocacy and networking for its members. The MHUs’ core function remains health service delivery.
CHAK has attained steady organizational development by embracing a culture of continuous learning and partnerships. CHAK engages in partnerships with various national, regional and international organizations which provide experiences and technical support in organizational development and health systems strengthening.