Origins & Evolution

• CHAK began in the 1930s as the Hospitals’ Committee under the National Christian Council of Kenya (NCCK).
• In 1946, it became the Protestant Churches Medical Association (PCMA), legally autonomous and focused on distributing government grants to Protestant-affiliated health facilities.
• In 1982, PCMA transitioned to the current structure and name, Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK), broadening its mandate to support church-based healthcare and healing across Kenya.

Mandate & Role

• CHAK is a national faith-based technical support organization for Protestant church–affiliated health facilities and programs.
• Its core functions include:
  • Health Programming
  • Health systems strengthening
  • Advocacy, Partnership & Networking
  • Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
  • Sustainable Financing & Resource Management
  • Branding, Marketing and Communication

Governance & Structure

• Annual General Meeting (AGM): CHAK’s supreme policy-making body, comprised of all registered members, meets annually.
• Board of Trustees: Seven senior church leaders (serving or retired) representing member denominations, serving renewable six-year terms. They oversee mission, strategic direction, and asset stewardship.
• Executive Committee (EXCO): Elected by the AGM, this two-year renewably-term group formulates policies, monitors implementation, and ensures accountability.
• Secretariat: Led by the General Secretary, it comprises three departments—Health Services; Institution & Organisation Development; Financial Management & Administration—supported by HR, ICT, and M&E units.

A photo from the CHAK Annual AGM 2025

Membership & Reach

• CHAK represents a large network:
  • ~587 total members: hospitals, health centers, dispensaries, medical training institutions, community health programs, and churches across Kenya. familynews.today
• Its services reach 45 of Kenya’s counties, serving as primary health providers in many remote and underserved areas.

Partnerships & Organizational Strength

• CHAK has cultivated diverse partnerships at national, regional, and international levels, enhancing technical capacity and organizational resilience.
• It is guided by six-year strategic planning (with input from members, EXCO, and staff) to ensure aligned vision and effective programming.

CHAK stands as a vital pillar in Kenya’s health sector, bridging faith-based values with professional healthcare delivery. Through its expansive network, strong governance, and commitment to quality and equity, CHAK continues to provide essential health services—especially in underserved regions—while championing innovation, partnerships, and sustainability. Its legacy, rooted in Christian compassion and national development, reinforces CHAK’s role as a trusted and transformative health partner in Kenya.